Energy-Arizona^1.4

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/98592

September 30, 2007 - 5:52AM
Stephanie Sanchez, Cronkite News Service

Arizonans will see many more rooftops sporting solar panels in coming years as utilities try to meet increased standards for renewable energy and homeowners and businesses seek lower electric bills, a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission said Friday.

A key reason for the increase in solar: The $1.05 charge the commission allows utilities to add to monthly electric bills to help fund renewable energy, Commissioner Kris Mayes said during a panel discussion at the Make a Difference Community Forum at Arizona State University West.

"You're paying to put those solar panels up," Mayes said. "It's to make Arizona less energy-dependent."

Arizona shouldn't depend on energy from countries such as China, Russia, Nigeria and Libya when it has a readily available power source in its abundant sunshine, Mayes said.

"It's becoming more and more affordable for people to do solar panels on the rooftops," Mayes said.

Mayes pointed to incentives utilities provide to homeowners and business owners who convert to solar energy, along with tax incentives of $1,000 from Arizona and $2,000 from the federal government.

For an average home adding solar panels, which cost around $21,000, Arizona Public Service Co. will kick in $9,000, said Steven Gotfried, an APS spokesman.

Mayes said utilities are eager for customers to add solar panels because of an ACC requirement that utilities generate 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind by 2025.

At present, Arizona is adding about 200-300 rooftop solar systems a year, Mayes said. "That's really not very much," she said.

But that number is expected to grow to 4,000 solar panels annually beginning next year and rise to 12,000 by 2011 because of the state's renewable energy requirement, Mayes said.