KXXV-TV News Channel 25 - Central Texas News and Weather for Waco, Temple, Killeen | State law makers push for more solar power

State law makers push for more solar power

By Eric Gemmell

WACO - Texas State law makers are pushing for a new change in renewable energy.

While the state leads the nation in wind generated power, it falls significantly behind in solar power production.

Now the power of the sun could be a lot closer than you think.

Representative Charles "Doc" Anderson of Waco said Monday outside the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, "I am encouraged solar power is within our grasp.'

Law makers on both sides of the political divide have introduced at least a half dozen solar energy related bills in this year's legislative session.

Anderson said, "I'm encouraged there is a legitimate concern to get this accomplished."

While it sounds all good, solar panels can cost thousands of dollars to install.

"How do we encourage folks to make the jump," he said.

Cyrus Reed, of the Sierra Club of Austin said "There is a federal incentive.  Create a state incentive and lower the price for everyone."

The proposal would make it more realistic to purchase panels and experts predict maybe even reduce the cost panels overall.

"Once it goes wide scale the costs will go down like in any industry," added Reed.

Law makers hope they will see solar tax rebates and incentives available to the public by 2015.