Overview:
SunShare has donated more than $7 million to Navajo Technical University, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and Habitat for Humanity while launching two community solar projects in New Mexico.
SunShare, LLC, the nation’s oldest community solar developer, has donated more than $7 million to Navajo Technical University, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and Habitat for Humanity as part of its commitment to the communities where it operates.
On August 19, 2026, SunShare, in conjunction with SolPower, LLC, a local New Mexico community solar company, announced the completion and energization of its first two community solar gardens in New Mexico.
Dr. Elmer Guy, president of Navajo Technical University, and Abe Bitok attended the formal event.
“While this solar facility will supply clean energy, the partnership holds equal promise for creating meaningful economic and educational opportunities. I hope that this initiative collaborates with local non-profit organizations and equity partners to offer community-focused educational programs, solar facility tours, and technical training,” Guy said.
To celebrate the milestone with community partners, SunShare hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Juniper Sol Community Solar Garden in Santa Fe. The six-megawatt direct-current (MWdc) solar garden reached commercial operation July 1 and has begun producing renewable energy. SunShare’s Rockhound Sol Community Solar Garden, a 4.5 MWdc solar farm in Deming, also was energized that day.
Hundreds of local subscribers and community leaders attended the event, including New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between putting gas in their car, paying for groceries, or paying their electricity bill. That’s why projects like this are so important. Juniper Sol is making the cost-saving benefits of renewable energy accessible to all, including renters and those who can’t afford the upfront installation of solar,” Haaland said. “As we look to fight rising costs, we have an opportunity to expand creative and smart local projects like community solar.”
David Amster-Olszewski, CEO and founder of SunShare, said the project demonstrates the potential of community-based solar to meet growing electricity demand.
“Our nation’s electricity needs are rapidly growing, and the Juniper Sol project demonstrates how community-based solar can cost-effectively and quickly meet that demand. At the same time, these types of projects bring wide-ranging benefits, such as to the 2,000 families who are saving on electricity costs for the next 25 years with their subscriptions to this garden,” he said. “As we celebrate SunShare’s 15th anniversary with this dedication of Santa Fe County’s first community solar garden, SunShare is as committed as ever to advancing a clean and distributed renewable energy future.”
The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women also will benefit from SunShare’s support.
“SunShare’s support will strengthen our work to prevent violence, support survivors in New Mexico, and help create safer futures for Native women and children,” said Tiffany Jiron, executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women. “This partnership demonstrates how renewable energy can generate lasting benefits not only for the environment, but also for our communities.”
The Juniper Sol solar garden occupies 31 acres and is expected to power nearly 2,000 homes while avoiding 261 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. The project also will incorporate agrivoltaic practices, including native, pollinator-friendly habitats under and around the solar panels.
Half of the garden’s subscribers are income-qualified, including some residents in SunShare’s affordable housing partnerships with Yes! Housing and Catholic Charities. Those subscribers are expected to see reductions in their electric bills and lower energy cost burdens.
Other guests included Lt. Governor Candidate Stephanie Garcia Richard, Public Regulation Commissioner Gabe Aguilera and State Sen. Liz Stefanics.
SunShare said it remains committed to advancing clean energy solutions and investing in Indigenous communities, describing its contributions as an example of how renewable energy can help drive community transformation.
