NRG Solar, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), El Paso Electric (NYSE:EE) and First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR), welcomed New Mexico’s top officials at their 20 megawatt (MW) Roadrunner Solar Generating Facility to mark the start of energy production from the state’s second-largest photovoltaic (PV) project.
“Today marks another step towards American energy independence with the completion of the Roadrunner Solar Generating Facility,” said John Sanchez, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico. “This 20-megawatt photovoltaic project is diversifying New Mexico’s economy and creating good paying jobs for our state. I want to thank NRG Energy, El Paso Electric and First Solar for making this investment in New Mexico and look forward to their future ventures using the Land of Enchantment’s most bountiful resource, the sun.”
“I am excited to welcome this type of industry to Dona Ana County. It's a whole new sunny world," said Dolores Saldaña-Caviness, Doña Ana County Commission The Roadrunner project created more than 200 jobs during its construction over the past nine months and now is generating electricity to supply thousands of homes with clean, renewable power.
“The completion of the Roadrunner solar facility is a major milestone for the New Mexico border region,” said Secretary of Economic Development Jon Barela. “This builds on all the momentum taking place in the region due to the coming together of many entities for the economic development success of Santa Teresa, including NRG Energy, El Paso Electric and First Solar and we are thrilled to have the Roadrunner solar project and this partnership here as a part of the community.”
“This new project is a good example of an economic development opportunity that is characterized by high-technology and a renewable resource that is plentiful in southern New Mexico– sun,” said Jerry Pacheco, Vice-President, Border Industrial Association. “We congratulate NRG Energy, El Paso Electric and First Solar on this milestone and the door it opens to new possibilities for our region.”
The facility is located on a 210-acre privately owned parcel of industrial-zoned land near Santa Teresa, about 10 miles from El Paso, Texas. “The Roadrunner project owes its successful completion to the high levels of support, cooperation and enthusiasm from many people across New Mexico,” said Tim Hemig, Vice President of Development for NRG Solar. “The people here in Santa Teresa and in the capital of Santa Fe have made us feel very welcome and we’re looking forward to making contributions both to New Mexico’s renewable energy goals and to the community as one of its newest corporate citizens.”
The Roadrunner facility will use a single-axis tracking system, which pivots PV solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day, increasing electricity production compared with a fixed tilt installation. Cost-competitive, renewable power generated by the Roadrunner facility will be sold to El Paso Electric under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
“We’re pleased to add the energy produced by the Roadrunner Solar Generating Facility in Santa Teresa to our renewable energy portfolio,” said David Stevens, El Paso Electric CEO. “Our 20-year contract to purchase the power from this facility marks our largest commitment to solar energy research, education and utilization in our area.”
First Solar provided engineering, construction and procurement services for the project using its advanced thin film photovoltaic solar modules, and will also be the operations and maintenance contractor for the facility.
“First Solar applauds NRG and El Paso Electric’s commitment to renewable energy,” said Matthew Merfert, First Solar Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Project Manager. “We are pleased that the Roadrunner project will be able to provide clean, affordable solar electricity to New Mexico residents for years to come.” Roadrunner is the third large-scale solar generation plant NRG has brought online to date—totaling more than 86 MW—and its first outside California.