ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.–With solar and renewable energy booming in New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College and Nusenda Credit Union said they are partnering to create a certificate of certificate of completion in photovoltaic systems, which trains New Mexicans on how to construct and maintain these innovative solar energy systems.
According to the New Mexico State Land Office, in fiscal year 2019 it received more revenue from business activity than any year before, showing a potential revenue track of $1 billion. That includes a more than 1,300% revenue increase in solar energy lease payments compared to 2018, and a more than 400% increase in wind energy lease payments.
According to the Solar Energies Industries Association, New Mexico is ranked 16th in the nation for number of solar installations, with enough solar installed to power 205,000 homes. Approximately 2,168 New Mexicans now hold solar-based employment, and one study suggests as many as 6,800 jobs will eventually be directly related to solar and renewable energy.
Since 2015, Nusenda Credit Union has partnered with 100% locally owned and operated merchants such as Affordable Solar, Positive Energy, and NM Solar Group that offer solar products, and others that offer energy-efficient products, the credit union said.
Partnership in Taos
Nusenda Credit Union also has a new partnership with Renewable Taos that has led to a new, statewide discounted auto loan rate for newer-model electric or fuel-efficient vehicles – including 100% electric vehicles, as well as some hybrids.
Nusenda Credit Union’s expanded administrative campus, currently in its final construction stages, also has a number of sustainable and energy efficient practices in place. An underfloor HVAC system will lower energy costs; a solar panel system that covers the top level of a new, multi-level parking structure will provide 20% of the building’s electricity needs, and new window glazing behaves like progressive tinted sunglasses, cutting down on glare and solar heat gain and saving energy, the credit union said.