Agenda

Friday, April 5

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8:00am - 9:00am

Breakfast/Check-In

Opening Prayer

Gov. Armijo, Pueblo of Santa Ana

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9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Opening Remarks

Understanding the nuances of New Mexico’s Community Solar Act and the significance of the unique Tribal provisions.

Speakers:

Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero
Mayane Barudin, Executive Director, Sovereign Energy

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9:15 PM - 10:00 AM

What is Community Solar? Current Opportunities for New Mexico Tribal Nations

Exploring the Potential of Tribal Community Solar Initiatives: unlocking economic growth, empowering energy sovereignty, environmental benefits, navigating federal tax incentives.

Pilar Thomas – Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP

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10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Picuris Pueblo’s Solar Success

Behind the scenes of Picuris Pueblo’s solar journey, from initial motivation to lessons learned. We’ll learn the driving forces behind these endeavors, the decision-making processes involved, and the wide-ranging benefits brought to the Pueblo.

Speakers:

Gov. Quanchello, Pueblo of Picuris
Wayne Yazza Jr. – Utility Director, Pueblo of Picuris

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10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Pre-development & Tribal Internal Decision-making

A comprehensive overview of community solar, beginning with an exploration of its initial planning phases, covering aspects such as site selection, project size and acreage, technical and infrastructure limitations, interconnection pre-applications, deal structure, ownership models, and an overview of the project process and timelines. Additionally, participants will gain insight into the subscription opportunities for community solar, including the chance to subscribe to gardens resulting from the 2022 RFP. Furthermore, the concept of agrivoltaics will be introduced, offering an innovative approach that combines agriculture with solar energy generation.

Speaker: Salina Derichsweiler, Director of Development New Mexico & Tribal Development, SunShare

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11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Choosing the Right Partner (Panel Discussion)

Selecting the right business partners is essential for the success of any project. In this panel, you’ll gather insights from a diverse range of solar companies to understand their offerings and advance your Tribe’s objectives.

Moderator: Mayane Barudin, Executive Director, Sovereign Energy

Panelists:

Salina Derichsweiler, Director of Development New Mexico & Tribal Development, SunShare
Dylan Connelly, Director of Commerical Solar Development, Affordable Solar
Simon Wood, Tribal Program Deputy Director, GRID Alternative

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12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch, Hosted by Affordable Solar

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1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Technical Assistance Resources

Reviewing the technical assistance and resources offered by the Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy.

Speaker: James Jensen, Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy

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2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Land, Water, and Vegetation Conerns of Community Solar Projects

Highlighting the supplementary environmental advantages of community solar initiatives, which entail minimal water usage and present opportunities for dual-land utilization, such as agrivoltaics.

Speakers: TBA

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2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Break

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2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

Workforce Development

Simon Wood, Tribal Program Deputy Director, GRID Alternatives

Construction, Operations & Maintenance

Exploring EPC decision-making, encompassing workforce development, equipment warranties, and decommissioning strategies.

Mark Cordova, President & CEO, Cordova LLC

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3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Overview of Current Funding Opportunities

Recognizing the wide range of federal funding sources accessible and comprehending how Tribes can strategically position themselves to maximize current funding prospects.

Pilar Thomas, Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP

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3:45 PM - 4:30 PM

Conference Recap and Q&A

Moderated by Mayane Barudin, Executive Director, Sovereign Energy

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4:30 PM

Closing Prayer

Pueblo of Santa Ana

Join us for a dynamic day of exploration and innovation as we delve into the development process of Tribal community solar projects.