Xcel Energy and its regional operating company, Southwestern Public Service Co., along with SunEdison and state and local officials, have announced the activation of the first three of five solar power plants that make up the 53.5 MW solar project deployed by SunEdison and Xcel Energy in Lea and Eddy counties in New Mexico.
The announcement took place during an activation event held Thursday at the 10.8 MW photovoltaic solar farm, located at 800 W. Derrick Rd. near the Carlsbad regional airport. Carlsbad City Mayor Dale W. Janway welcomed guests to the public event that highlighted the multi-site solar project, which is expected to be fully activated by the end of 2011.
The five solar farms are being deployed and maintained by SunEdison under a 20-year solar power services agreement with Xcel Energy, which will buy the energy generated by the solar power plants. Project financing for the solar project was provided by Wells Fargo & Co.
