Dec 11 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Diana M. Alba Las Cruces Sun-News, N.M.

Dona Ana County officials are asking the state Legislature to back a measure that would make solar energy equipment more affordable for homeowners.

The measure, approved this week by county commissioners, proposes that the Legislature create so-called solar districts -- regions in which homeowners could voluntarily impose a tax to help pay for solar electricity and water-heating equipment.

County Commissioner Bill McCamley, who pitched the idea, said the districts would help overcome a big hurdle for residents who want to go solar: the upfront expense of the equipment. He said a switch to solar-powered electricity, for example, will pay for itself, but it can take 15 to 17 years.

"It costs a lot initially, and that scares a lot of people away," he said.

Under McCamley's proposal, counties and cities would issue bonds to pay for equipment for homes, and homeowners would agree to a property tax to repay the bonds.

"There are communities in California that do this; it is working," said McCamley, who leaves office this month. "If you get a lot of people involved in a process, the economies of scale lowers the cost and makes it more attractive."

According to the New Mexico Solar Energy Association Web site, the cost of a solar-powered electrical system -- which can stand alone or be tied into a power company's grid -- can range from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on how much electricity is needed. A solar-heated water system, meanwhile,

can run about $4,000 to $5000.

Richard Gerome, a New Mexico State University graduate student, worked with McCamley and Las Cruces City Councilor Nathan Small in researching the energy measures. Gerome said he has invested in solar equipment to power his home.

"I haven't used any (natural) gas this year yet," he said. "Last year, my bill was $18 for gas to heat my home. So I know from experience it saves me a lot of money."

Small said the city council in early 2009 likely will be considering steps to promote sustainability.

McCamley said he's already spoken to state Sen.-elect Steve Fischmann, D-Las Cruces, about backing the measure.

Fischmann said the idea is one of several to promote renewable energy he's examining in advance of next year's legislative session.

"That may be one worth promoting," he said.

A problem Fischmann sees now, he said, is that companies don't have much incentive to shift to renewable fuels.

Fischmann said the state also will have to keep an eye out for federal dollars aimed at promoting renewable energy infrastructure that could result from a stimulus package being discussed by President-elect Barack Obama.

In addition to saving homeowners money, McCamley said, the solar districts would promote the use of renewable energy and decrease dependence on crude oil, a supply that won't last.

"The question is, since we see these (gas) prices going down, will we maintain our ability to look for a sustainable future or will we shirk that responsibility?" he said "Sustainability is a worldview we need to put in, regardless of the subject policy."

Also on Tuesday, the county commission OK'd a resolution directing the county to look at the energy efficiency of its own operations.

Diana M. Alba can be reached at dalba@lcsun-news.com; (575) 541-5443

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For more information about solar energy in New Mexico:

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-- New Mexico Solar Energy Association: http://www.nmsea.org

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