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Community Celebration for Chimayo Fire Station Solar Array on Sunday, May 4

Santa Fe, NM – Friday, May 2, 2014 - Santa Fe County, New Energy Economy and the national “I Will Act on Climate” campaign would like to invite the public to the Solar Array Celebration at the Chimayo Fire Station (#226 Juan Medina Road) on Sunday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Congressman Ben Ray Lujan, Santa Fe County Commission Chairman Daniel “Danny” Mayfield and Chimayo residents will celebrate the installation of a solar array at the community event and Santa Fe County’s commitment to curbing greenhouse gases and increasing renewable.

A short speaking program will be emceed by Santa Fe County Commission Chairman Daniel “Danny” Mayfield, Congressman Ben Ray Lujan will speak at the event, as well as Santa Fe County Volunteer Fire Chief Julian Sandoval. The event will also have food and live music entertainment.

“Santa Fe County is making impressive headway leading by example in our county. By solarizing our public buildings we are reducing our carbon footprint, saving taxpayer dollars, creating green jobs, and working to secure the environmental health of our communities for future generations. These renewable energy projects are only the beginning of our county's efforts to 'move green’," said Commission Chair Mayfield.

The Santa Fe County Chimayo Fire Station got a new 4.1 kilowatt roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system. The system will generate approximately 50% of the fire station's annual electricity demand. The system is estimated to decrease the Fire Station's electric bills by approximately $700 per year, based on current electricity prices.

Consolidated Solar Technologies installed the solar system that is expected to generate solar power for the next 25-30 years. The project costs approximately $14,000 and was funded by District 1 Capital Funds and a New Energy Economy grant.