In legislation, as in life, it is prudent to consider the source. Always consider the source.

Take proposed “transparency” legislation to regulate more fully the solar industry, requiring extensive disclosures of companies in the name of consumer protection. Sounds good, right? Who does not support protecting consumers?

 Trouble is, when a bill to regulate the solar industry is backed by the state’s largest utility company — Public Service Company of New Mexico — it’s time to look closely at it. PNM is not exactly the best friend of solar customers. When individuals seek electricity elsewhere, they no longer send checks to the big utility company. Slowing down the solar transformation of the state is just good business for PNM, and if a consumer protection bill has that consequence, that’s just a plus. Joining in with PNM in backing this bill are many solar companies, rural utilities, business groups and real estate groups, so there is some good here.

But there is a difference between protection and a bill that — whether by design or accident — creates so many hoops that people walk away from a new technology. It’s either too complicated or they are scared off. That’s worrisome at a time when people should be adapting to renewable energies, both for the planet’s sake and their pocketbooks.

Utility bills from companies such as PNM are on the rise, with rate increases part of the picture for the next few years. Solar customers have found that if they buy and install panels, the monthly payment for a loan can be less than a utility bill — and it’s not increasing like the electric bill. Solar can be a prudent investment, as both individuals and businesses discover. Even governments are getting in the act, as with the Santa Fe Public Schools, which now gets 16 percent of its power from solar.

The so-called solar transparency bills have both a House and Senate version. Rep. Debbie Rodella, D-Española, introduced House Bill 199, while Sen. Clemente Sanchez, D-Grants, Senate Bill 210. The legislation would create the Consumer Protection for Distributed Generation Act, requiring more than 20 points of disclosure.

In the disclosures, companies would have to outline total cost and payments (something already happening), how solar installation affects property and other taxes, and details about the ability to transfer ownership of the panels with a home. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, always a friend to consumers, voted against the legislation, asking this important question — “What are we trying to do here?” A homeowner who decides to add a bathroom or convert the garage, for example, is not told to go talk to a tax lawyer first. This legislation complicates what should be a protected, but straightforward, process.

As opponents of the legislation point out, protection for consumers does exist. Those include truth-in-lending requirements and the unfair business practices act. Inspectors must examine home-owned solar projects — which must meet building and electrical codes, as well as receive appropriate licenses. Utility companies stand ready to review the designs of systems and inspect work. Solar buyers do not go it alone.

Yes, consumers need protection. But surely, in this anti-regulation age, the state of New Mexico can use existing laws to protect consumers and let solar companies conduct their business. That way, property owners interested in seeking energy from the sun can keep their choices open.