Low-Income Housing Solar Panels

6.7.11 (ANTHONY) -- With help from a federal grant, Tierra Del Sol, a non-profit group in Anthony, New Mexico, plans to start installing solar panels on 20 local low-income family homes.

Isaias Amaya has helped install solar panels on 3 homes in the Dos Lagos phase 2 subdivision in Anthony.

Amaya says, "We had a family, their electrical bill started at $42, and now they're paying negative $12.95."

Amaya is a Project Director with Tierra Del Sol Housing Corporation, a group who helps low income families obtain affordable housing.

Veronika Molina Economic Development Coordinator with Tierra Del Sol says installing the solar panels on the homes helps families because it reduces their utility bills.

Veronika says, "These families were families that were either 80 percent or below area medium income, and so they need the assistance with being able to pay utilities. So that they are able to achieve the American dream, and not only get into a home, but sustain the home, and also build equity in their home and in their investment."

Starting this summer Isaias Amaya plans to start work on installing solar panels on 20 more local homes.

Amaya says, "We're going so far to help the families even with their electrical bills."

Tierra Del Sol is also starting a green job-training course to teach locals how to install the solar panels so they'll be able to work on the installation project.

Molina explains, "We are going to be asking for willing participants that would like to learn the process of solar panel installation."

Explains Veronika Molina, she says she thankful they received the federal solar panel installation grant.

Molina explains, "To see a beautiful home, and to see a family be able to live in it, and not have to struggle financially to keep their house, and to be comfortable in their house because the solar panels they provide a lot of savings for these families, it's a very humbling feeling."

Reported by: Jared Andersen.

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