Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Solar  -  April 28, 2023

Santa Fe Opera Completes Solar Installation

The Santa Fe Opera celebrates environmental sustainability with a new 214 kW solar power system on its campus. 

Partnering with Positive Energy Solar, the Santa Fe Opera completed the successful installation of 431 solar panels, with a ground-mounted array currently in development. Designed to produce over 400,000 kWh of clean energy annually, the system will offset half of the opera’s daytime energy use with solar-generated electricity.

Throughout the system’s lifespan, the Santa Fe Opera will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 13 million pounds and save more than $1.3 million on electricity costs.

“In a place where we have such abundant natural beauty, we take seriously our responsibility to care for the land and natural resources,” stated Robert K. Meya, General Director at the Santa Fe Opera, in a statement. “With over 320 days of sunshine a year, Santa Fe is the ideal place to harness the power of the sun and we are absolutely thrilled to take advantage of this sustainable resource. At the Santa Fe Opera, being an open-air venue, the landscape plays a leading role in each and every one of our productions. Not only do we have a responsibility to care for our natural environment, but transitioning to solar power aids the long-term financial health of the organization, and helps to preserve both the art form and our beautiful setting for generations to come.”

The panels will power The Crosby Theatre, rehearsal facilities, and administrative buildings with clean energy. Additionally, the photovoltaic network will power the Cantina, where the opera hosts its well-attended Preview Dinners.