Construction Begins On 50-Megawatt Solar Project Near Deming

Construction has started on New Mexico’s largest solar power plant, which will sell all its power to El Paso Electric, those involved in the project announced Monday.

The 50-megawatt Macho Springs Solar Project is being built near Deming, N.M., by First Solar, a Phoenix area solar panel manufacturer and solar plant developer.

The plant is expected to be completed in May. About 300 construction workers will be employed during construction, the companies reported. It will have only three operational and maintenance jobs when in operation.

First Solar has a 20-year agreement with El Paso Electric to sell all the power from the plant to El Paso Electric. It will provide enough power for about 18,000 homes.