Eight solar projects should bring Albuquerque to 100% renewable energy

Albuquerque is installing solar panels at eight city-owned sites, part of a push to get municipal operations to 100% renewable energy. The company Sustainability Partners is paying for the roughly 6 megawatts of solar equipment and will handle installation and upkeep, with the city paying monthly for its use instead of covering the full cost upfront. Energy Systems Group designed the systems, a mix of rooftop panels and solar carports, at locations including the Eastside Animal Shelter, Highland Pool, West Mesa Aquatic Center, Duke City BMX Park, Isotopes Park, the Ken Sanchez Transit Facility, the city's 911 Call Center, and the Albuquerque International Sunport. The Sunport site will also get 10 electric vehicle chargers and battery storage.

Construction started last week at the Eastside Animal Shelter and Highland Pool, with the rest of the sites being built out through 2027.

For homeowners, this isn't a program you can sign up for — it covers city buildings, not private houses. But it shows how a "pay over time instead of upfront" financing approach can make solar and EV charging more affordable for large facilities, similar in spirit to solar leasing or power-purchase agreements sometimes offered to homeowners. It's also a sign that your city government is investing in clean energy infrastructure, including EV charging, which may show up in local rebates, incentives, or charging access down the road. If you're weighing solar or an EV charger for your own home, this project doesn't directly change your options, but it's worth keeping an eye on whether Albuquerque expands any of these financing tools to residents.