GALLUP SOLAR'S

JANUARY 2015

SOLAR POLICY BRIEFING

 This ain’t gonna happen without you.

---

“Our Mission: Gallup Solar is collaborating with communities, elected representatives, utilities and industry to bring solar power
to all peoples in our area”
Weekly Wednesday Meetings are from 6-8 p.m.
at 113 East Logan Ave., Gallup, NM
Refreshments are served
The public is welcome and all input is valued.

---

JANUARY MEETING AGENDA

January 7, 6-8pm
SANTA FE LEGISLATURE REPORT

January 14, 6-8pm
POLICY ISSUES FOR GALLUP SOLAR

January 21, 6-8pm
FOCUS ON SOLAR
City Council and Mayoral
Candidates' Forum

January 28, 6-8pm
GALLUP SOLAR BOARD MEETING

---

The arena in which Solar Policy can be made is framed by the utilities that bring us fossil fuels.
We want to find a way to articulate the rights of Mother Nature.
 
Here are some issues in which solar advocates can have input on solar policy, first by educating ourselves, then by talking to our elected representatives at the city, county, chapter, state or federal levels.
 
NET METERING
 A billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid beyond what they use
('running the meter backward').
 
Most net metering policies credit retail for solar if you produce more electricity than you use. In Gallup, we are paid wholesale.
We could expect more.
 
Some monopolistic utility companies say it’s a “free ride” for solar owners who do not pay infrastructure charges. In Gallup, all residential accounts already pay a service charge that is currently $6.97/month. We don't want that to be arbitrarily raised as Arizona Public Service (APS) has done as it can discourage solar installs. We could expect it to be reduced or removed entirely.
 
Some states have limits on how much solar power they will allow on to the grid through net metering. Though our state law has one of the highest limits in the US, Gallup Utilities currently has a limit of 10 kw for residential and 75kw for commercial. If you are using more electricity than a 10 kw size solar system could provide on your home, you need to get an energy audit & work on reducing your use.
See: High Desert Weatherization Services (330) 221-6668
To have a grid tied PV system professionally installed at 1/2 the price of the nearest contractor call Gallup Solar at 728-9246
 
Continental Divide has a 25 kw limit, but NTUA has no policy that would allow grid-tied power. Please let your Chapter officials know about being deprived of this option while your neighbors all around are saving money & the environment by 'running the meter backward'.

VIRTUAL NET METERING
Virtual Net Metering is basically net metering (with one electric meter) shared between several people. This enables homeowners that are unsuited for solar for one reason or the other, to participate in community-owned solar farms
(also known as solar gardens or corrals).
 

There are about one dozen virtual net metering systems operating in the U.S. at the time of writing, March 2014. Rules can vary significantly by country and state/province. Neither Gallup, the County or the Tribes have any enabling provisions for this. Ask them why.

RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARDS, RPS
States voluntarily require utilities to supply a percentage of renewables by certain deadlines. Currently, NM's PRC cannot force any standards on Gallup and the other municipally owned utilities. State legislation or the citizens ourselves could change this. The city's current power purchase agreement (PPA) allows the city build it's own solar power array & produce up to 10% of the sum of our usage. That would be 10% less dirty coal burning from the area's outdated power plants. Ask if they are at least doing a feasibility study on this.

Click on map for details.


THE SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD
The SGB (replacing the former Water & Sustainable Energy Boards) is a newly formed citizen's group approved by city resolution to advise mayor, council & manager to: “Develop and recommend citywide conservation/education plans for water, power, recycling and other environmental matters”. Monthly informative meetings are open to the public. You can attend or ask to be put on the email list.
Call Bill Bright at 505-722-0039. 30% FEDERAL PLUS 10% STATE TAX CREDITS FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
IN EFFECT THROUGH 2016
New Mexico adds a 10% tax credit to the 30% Federal Tax credit on purchases of solar systems. We don't want this to go away. Contact your state & federal policy makers about this one.

What solar electric systems qualify for the 30% Federal Tax Credit?
ANY complete solar power package, for home or business.
Emergency battery back up system, as long as the purchase includes at least one solar panel. Product purchases that expand your existing solar power system and include at least one solar panel. Solar System for RV and boat that has been accepted by the IRS as a second home
for tax purposes.

STATE AND LOCAL INCENTIVES
Incentives include Corporate Tax Credits, Industry Recruitment/Support, Performance-Based Incentives, Personal Tax Credits, Property Tax Incentives, Sales Tax Incentives, State Bond Programs, State Loan Programs and Utility Rebate Programs.

Click on map for details.



PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY
PACE is a proven, workable, innovative way for county or municipalities to promote and finance renewable energy development. This would allow municipalities to set up an assessment district for homeowners who want to install solar through which payments are made with their property taxes (does not raise other people's taxes, just the applicant’s).
 
The Federal Housing Finance Agency, FHFA, had been blocking implementation for residential benefit. NM has enacted legislation which enables PACE. Again, local citizen action is needed to make it happen.
 
A few years ago both Gallup Council & McKinley County Commission sent letters to FHFA in support of PACE. But there has been no effort to set up this self-paying revolving loan fund. This would enable our low-income homeowners, who can't afford the up-front the cost, to have solar installations & weatherization services. Tribal leaders could do this also.
NOTE: The percentage of people below poverty level for McKinley County is 33.6 percent while it was 19.5 percent for the state of NM.
 
SOLAR EDUCATION
Education is part of the fight.
 
Solar Power Rocks is committed to giving homeowners a clear picture of the policy, incentives, and investment returns on local solar panel installations. We also recognize the best states for solar and clearly illustrate how all state legislatures can encourage residential solar energy growth based on the best practices in
the most successful states.

Click on map for details.

 
You can help GS tell our lawmakers what legislation will advance solar development.

New Mexico’s Legislative Session begins
at noon, January 20 and ends
at noon, March 21.

Friday, February 27, will be Renewable Energy Day from 10 to 3 PM. Join us and help GS promote solar related laws they should pass and defeat the corporate & ALEC based bills designed to stop solar development & environmental protection.


AND...