The five sites will be located in Lea and Eddy counties in southeastern New Mexico. The utility-scale, ground-mounted systems will be fully operational by the end of 2011, according to SunEdison.

The installations will generate enough power for more than 10,000 homes in its first full year of operation. Southwestern Public Service will buy power under a 2-year agreement. The utility estimates the project will offset more than 1.3