The Placitas Community Library has recently completed the installation of a new solar array, complementing the smaller array located in the parking lot.
The new addition enables the library to harness the power of the sun, reducing both its energy costs and environmental footprint.
The array, largely funded by an allocation from Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo) and installed by PPC Solar, was motivated by the library’s expansion. The original array was insufficient to meet the energy demands of the larger building.
In January, the library held a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by McQueen, Sandoval County Commissioners Katherine Bruch and Joshua Jones, Mark Hatzenbuhler, the director of Public Works for Sandoval County, members of the library board and community members.
“I’m excited that we’re able to expand the solar at the Placitas Community Library. I know we’ve been working on this for some years,” Bruch said.
Last year, McQueen allocated $100,000 from his junior budget to the library for programming equipment and materials, administered through Sandoval County. The library divided the funds among three projects — the solar project, acquiring a new printer and redesigning the website.
According to Lynnette Fields, chair of the Library Board, the solar array installation cost $109,000 in total. Of that, $84,000 was sourced from the allocated funds, with the remaining $25,000 covered by library funds.
“I think the cooperation between working with Rep. McQueen, with the county, with the solar people and our administrator Furman Kelley,” Fields said. “I think just having everybody work together and it go so smoothly, was very rewarding.”
The new array consists of 18 panels, each generating 590 watts, totaling 10.62 kilowatts. The array is approximately 36 feet long and 12 feet wide, positioned for optimal year-round solar energy collection.
According to Fields, the energy savings from the solar panels will benefit the county-run, volunteer-operated Placitas Community Library and its 4,000 to 5,000 monthly patrons. These savings will help reduce costs, allowing the library to continue offering community events such as author talks and reading programs.
The library’s next undertaking is a strategic planning project, running until September. Guided by community input, the project includes a survey, interviews and focus groups to shape the library’s future direction.
The library will not plan any new projects until all the feedback is received and analyzed. They will then identify community priorities for services and programs for the next three years.
To participate in the community survey by the Placitas Community Library’s Strategic Planning Committee, visit the following links:
English Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-bNLQ52T2mtNHbP9ZBAqBlb37HJ0tF-9-1mGGopy7I79rDQ/viewform
Spanish Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpVRu-fl5J354dIq1mluSP5eI92OUP1z5R6p4fPnk-2CBsHg/viewform