Santa Fe County senior centers go solar

SANTA FE, N.M., Oct. 23, 2026—Santa Fe County will upgrade three senior centers to include solar power, thanks to a grant from the New Mexico Finance Authority Local Solar Access Fund. The $706,054 grant will bring solar power and battery storage to the Bennie J. Chavez Senior Center in Chimayó, the Ken & Patty Adam Senior Center in Eldorado, and the Edgewood Senior Center.

Adding solar capabilities to County buildings is part of the County’s goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The new systems will provide power during normal operations and sustain critical functions during power outages or emergencies. The grant was awarded in September and is currently in the initial project planning stage.

“By adding solar and batteries to these senior centers, we will improve everyday resilience, reduce electricity costs, and enable them to serve as resilience hubs for the surrounding communities,” said Phillip “PJ” Montano, Facilities and Projects Division Director.

The new systems will provide reliable power, and batteries will help store some of that power. During power outages, vital functions will continue, ensuring that heating, cooling, lighting, refrigerated medication storage, and device charging remain available.

“Senior centers are already places our residents count on for a range of services,” said Brian Snyder, Public Works Department Director. “Solar and batteries will help these facilities run smoothly and efficiently day in and day out, while also giving us backup power we can count on when it’s needed.”

These senior centers will provide comfortable, climate-controlled spaces for community members, support local emergency response activities, and increase onsite solar energy generation for County operations.

“We’re always looking for ways to support our community while increasing resilience,” said Jonathan Butler, Community Development Director. “We’re grateful to receive this award and look forward to bringing reliable, renewable energy to our senior centers.”

The grant was secured by the County’s Sustainability division and awarded this fall. For more information about County sustainability programs, visit the Sustainability webpage.

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