San Juan Regional Medical Center's proposed solar farm is moving forward with the Farmington council's approval of a previously-denied zoning change.
The Daily Times reports a 3-1 vote on Tuesday pushed the hospital closer to using 12.3 acres for 6,000 solar panels.
The council had denied the zoning change over concerns that the solar farm's industrial nature didn't fit with the area.
Plans put the project on land with industrial zones on three sides.
Councilor Linda Rogers motioned to reconsider the zoning decision, saying the use of the 12.3 acres would not clash with neighboring properties.
Hospital vice president of professional and support services Doug Frary said installation will start once a building permit is secured.
The panels are expected to save the hospital $300,000 to $500,000 annually.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.