NextEra Energy Resources and Xcel Energy have commissioned the Roswell and Chaves County solar energy centers in New Mexico totalling 140MW.
The projects feature approximately 600,000 solar panels with trackers that will follow the sun from east to west each day to maximize energy production.
The electricity generated by the projects will go to Xcel Energy customers in New Mexico and Texas starting this year, under two power purchase agreements approved by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
The solar centers created about 300 jobs during construction, as well as five full-time positions to operate them.
Over the operational life of the two energy centers, payments in lieu of property taxes of $660,000 per year are expected for the local area.
Image: sxc
NextEra, Xcel shine in N Mexico
140MW Roswell and Chaves County facilities consist of 600,000 panels
By EBS