Santa Fe –The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) announces that construction has started on one of the largest microgrid solar projects in a state park in the country. The project is located at Hyde Memorial State Park and is part of EMNRD State Parks Division’s Next Generation of Adventure campaign aimed at enhancing the visitor experience by upgrading facilities, adding interpretive programs, and improving technology.

“The solar microgrid project at Hyde Memorial State Park showcases New Mexico state government’s progress on climate change, renewable energy, and innovation,” said EMNRD Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst. “EMNRD invites organizations considering similar projects around the state to contact us for technical expertise and lessons learned.”

EMNRD’s Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECMD) provided financial and contractual support to State Parks for the project and will provide engineering oversight during construction.

The solar-plus-battery storage and back-up propane generator microgrid system will meet Hyde Memorial State Park’s electrical needs year-round. In 2018 the park experienced a catastrophic failure in its main electrical line, which was a buried line and had decayed over 30 years. Due to the line’s location and the estimated cost to conduct repairs, a solar microgrid offers a better long-term solution.

The microgrid’s solar PV and battery system is designed to provide the park with more than 85 percent of its annual energy needs, only using the propane generator as back-up.

When complete in Spring of 2021, the system will include an 81 kW DC solar photovoltaic (PV) array, a 352 kWh battery system, and a 150 kW propane generator.

State Parks are currently operating under reduced hours and are only open to New Mexico residents. Check the most up to date Parks information on park webpages and on the FAQ page.