Alameda Open Space Solar Covered Parking
In cooperation with the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority will install solar coverings over the existing parking spaces at the Alameda Open Space. The purposes of the project are to:
- Improve parking at Alameda Open Space
- Save energy
- Preserve our natural resources
- Provide educational opportunities
Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, so be sure to sign up for updates!
About
Collaborative project of City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and the Water Authority to:
- Improve parking at Alameda Open Space
- Save energy
- Preserve our natural resources
- Provide educational opportunities
Benefits
- Provides shade for cars and people on hot summer days
- Provides cover from rain and snow
- Saves energy long-term
- Lowers Cost for the Water Authority
- Offsets about 36% of raw water pump station
- Preserves natural resources
- Provides two (2) electric vehicle charging stations
Educational Opportunities
The project includes a SolarFlower that tracks the sun’s movements north-south and east-west. Students and adults will learn about how solar energy is produced through various techniques and how the SmartFlower is able to follow the sun. It knows when to retract and when to deploy automatically in cases of high wind, hail, or heavy rain.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Two (2) electric vehicle charging stations, with two outlets each, will be able to charge four (4) electric vehicles at any given time. Charging stations will be free to anyone interested and will be located in designated spaces for electric vehicles.
Resources
As of its September 15, 2022, meeting, the City of Albuquerque Environmental Planning Commission voted to approve the site plan for this project. To read the officiation notification of decision, please click here.
Project Phasing
Conceptual Drawing of Project
Click on image to open larger version.
Public Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
February 1, 2022
Site Plan
Site Improvements
Construction Impacts/Updates
The Water Authority has selected Somos Solar as the contractor and solar provider for the project. Somos Solar will purchase and install solar generation equipment and build the solar-covered parking canopies. Upon completion of the project, the Water Authority will purchase energy from the facility. Affordable Solar will purchase and install solar generation equipment and build the solar-covered parking canopies. Upon completion of the project, the Water Authority will purchase energy from the facility.
Impacts
Construction is scheduled to begin April 2026 and is anticipated to take six (6) months. Phasing efforts are being designed to minimize inconvenience to those who utilize the Alameda Open Space while construction takes place. During construction, all walking, cycling, and equestrian trails will remain open. The parking lot will have changing closures as the project progresses, please see the phasing plan for a general idea. Additional locations to visit the Bosque trail system are the Bachechi Open Space on Rio Grande south of Alameda and the Open Space Shining River Parking Area south of Paseo Del Norte.
Prior to and during construction, regular email updates will be sent out. Please sign up for construction updates so that we can keep you informed.
We want to hear from you! If you have questions, comments or would like more information about the project, please fill out the form below.
Or you can contact:
Rachel Stone, Communications Specialist
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority
505-289-3071
rstone@abcwua.org
