Standard Solar has announced it is developing a 1.5 MW solar electric system in northern Taos County, New Mexico in cooperation with Taos-based Kit Carson Rural Electric Cooperative (KCEC). The project marks Standard Solar's entrance into the New Mexico solar market.

Standard Solar and KCEC have entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under which KCEC will purchase all power generated by the solar electric system over the next 25 years. Standard Solar will finance, develop and operate the system which will be installed on property owned by the Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association (RCCLA) near Amalia, NM.

The project is a 1.5 MW single-axis tracking solar electric system which will generate in excess of 2.9 million kWh of clean, renewable electricity annually. A single-axis tracking array moves the solar panels throughout the day to ensure they are always absorbing as much of the sun's energy as possible.

The solar array, consisting of 5,280 panels, will also offset approximately 1,500 tons of greenhouse gases per year, the equivalent of planting a 221 acre forest.

"Through this agreement with KCEC and RCCLA, we will be bringing solar power to KCEC customers in northern Taos County," said Standard Solar CEO Tony Clifford.

"It is an exciting project for both the customers who will reap the benefits of renewable energy and for Standard Solar as we extend our business into the Southwest."

Standard Solar has committed to using Taos County businesses, professional firms and craftspeople to construct, commission and maintain the solar system. Kit Carson CEO Luis Reyes commented, "This project is a big win for Taos County, both economically and environmentally. Further, as the largest solar project to date in the Kit Carson service territory, it is an important step for KCEC as we continue to integrate solar electricity into our local distribution grid."

Mr. Clifford also noted, "Since Standard Solar will be a part of the Taos County community for the next 25 years, we wanted to be sure the local workforce takes part in the construction of this system and also the ongoing operation and maintenance that is required to provide years of reliable service."

Tom Tatum, a Taos County rancher and partner in Ute Peak Solar, is Standard Solar's local representative on the project.

The installation of the system is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2011.

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