How does solar help Montezuma County?

Solar projects bring in millions of dollars in new tax revenue that stay right here in Montezuma County. These funds support the things our community depends on most — strong schools, safe roads, fire and sheriff’s departments, and other local services. Instead of raising taxes on residents, solar shifts the burden by creating a new, stable revenue stream. Over the lifetime of a project, this funding can amount to tens of hundreds of millions of dollars depending on the project size, ensuring that Montezuma County has the resources it needs to grow, maintain essential services, and invest in the future.

Can solar help keep taxes lower for residents?

Yes. Solar projects generate millions of dollars in new tax revenue for Montezuma County, which means local governments have more resources to fund schools, roads, and essential services without raising property taxes on residents.

This new revenue helps ease the burden on existing taxpayers and creates a more stable tax base for the future. By diversifying the county’s revenue sources, solar ensures that more of the cost of maintaining strong schools and safe communities is carried by outside investment, not just local families. That means residents benefit from better-funded services while keeping their own tax bills lower than they would be without solar. While it’s ultimately up to government leaders to decide how tax money is used, the millions brought in through solar opens the door to keeping taxes lower while still strengthening the services our community depends on.

Can solar help attract new businesses to the county?

Yes. Companies of all sizes increasingly look for communities that invest in reliable, affordable energy. By adding solar, Montezuma County can position itself as a forward-thinking place to do business — one that offers stable energy costs.

Will solar impact my electricity bill?

Solar helps keep energy costs stable and affordable. By adding more locally produced power to the grid, solar reduces reliance on imported fuels that can swing in price. That means fewer spikes on monthly bills and more predictable costs for families and businesses.

Why are local farmers and landowners choosing solar?

Farmers and landowners see solar as a way to create steady, predictable income while still keeping their land in the family. Unlike crop prices or weather conditions, solar provides long-term financial stability that helps cover expenses, pay down debt, and invest back into their operations.

Many landowners also appreciate that solar is a temporary use of land. At the end of a project’s life, equipment is removed and the ground can return to farming or other uses. For families in Montezuma County, choosing solar isn’t about replacing agriculture — it’s about securing an additional source of income that strengthens farms and preserves land for future generations.

Is solar safe for our community and environment?

Yes. Solar is safe for our community and our environment. The majority of solar panels are made from silica, which is the second most abundant element on earth (primarily found in the form of quartz sand) and is non-toxic in all its natural forms. They are silent, produce no emissions during operation, and do not require water to generate electricity — unlike a traditional power plants that consumes tens of millions of gallons of water annually.

Because solar replaces older, more polluting forms of energy, it actually improves local air quality and reduces health risks tied to emissions. Independent studies and decades of real-world experience across the country confirm that solar projects pose no harm to people, property, or the land. Instead, they provide a safe, reliable source of power while helping create a healthier environment for families today and future generations.

Will solar take away prime farmland?

While solar can be located on farmland, it often uses acreage that is dry and unproductive for prime agricultural activities. In Montezuma County, there are good options for siting solar on land that provides steady income to farm families without displacing the high-quality ground needed for food production. This balance lets our community benefit from solar while keeping farmland available for farming.