ABQ Times

A 30-kilowatt roof-mounted photovoltaic array on The University of New Mexico Student Union Building was activated in late 2024. This marks a significant step for a student-led initiative aimed at introducing solar energy to the building.

The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) spearheaded the project, collaborating with the UNM Office of Government and Community Relations to secure funding from the state legislature in 2023 and 2024. Funding was obtained through a supplemental appropriations bill, with support from State Representative Gail Chasey and State Senators Michael Padilla and Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez. These funds were allocated for the design, permitting, engineering, and installation of the solar array.

Following receipt of appropriations, UNM Utility Services partnered with Sol Luna, a New Mexico-based company, to carry out the installation. The solar setup on the Student Union Building is designed for expansion, supported by an interconnection agreement with Public Service Company of New Mexico that allows for future growth up to 270 kilowatts if additional funding is secured.

This new addition complements existing solar installations across UNM’s campuses. In 2020, ASUNM procured legislative funding for campus solar projects which led to installations on Zimmerman Library. From atop the Student Union Building now stand views of both this library's 241-kilowatt array and another 180-kilowatt system on Yale Parking Structure. Collectively, these contribute to UNM's total installed capacity of 1.7 megawatts across its campuses.

Looking ahead, GPSA plans to request $200,000 more during the upcoming legislative session in order to expand solar capabilities further at the Student Union Building. Described as “shovel ready,” this project aims at reducing UNM’s carbon footprint while aligning with sustainability goals outlined in UNM’s Strategic Framework known as UNM 2040.

UNM has underscored Sustainability as a core goal within its strategic framework and appointed its first-ever Sustainability Director in 2024. These ongoing solar initiatives are part of broader efforts to minimize environmental impact on campus.