Solar Energy Project In Luna County Begins

Luna County’s largest solar array and latest alternative energy project has officially begun.

The 50-acre, 5-megawatt facility owned by Public Service Company of New Mexico is located south of Deming.

The 78,000 solar panels comprising the Deming Solar Energy Center are capable of producing enough energy to supply about 1,600 average New Mexico homes.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reported that the solar farm is the third of five solar facilities PNM is constructing across the state.

Facilities in Albuquerque and Los Lunas have been online since spring and two more facilities in Alamogordo and Las Vegas are scheduled for completion this fall.

PNM officials say the five facilities will generate enough emissions-free electricity equal to taking 4,500 cars off the road.