A bill advancing on Capitol Hill could allow Utah's sun-kissed St. George to lead out with a city-built solar project where residents could buy shares, tap the energy and receive tax credits as if they had put the equipment on their own roofs.

St. George City Attorney Shawn Guzman said the city already has land set aside for the solar arrays near its sewage treatment plant.

HB201, sponsored by Rep. BradÂley Last, R-St. George, passed 9-1 out of the House Revenue and Taxation committee Thursday.

"To install a panel on my house, even with the credits, the cost is very high," said Gary Dodge, an attorney who advises St. George on energy-related ventures. "This takes advantage of economies of scale. You put the panels in a concentrated area and allow residents to own shares."

The bill would allow individuals to receive 25 percent of their investment in such a system - up to $2,000 - as a tax credit.

Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan, cast the lone no-vote.

"I think the concept is good," Harper said. "But we've just redone our flat income tax system. I want to see how its working before we start adding tax credits."

Kelly Knutsen, senior policy associate with the non-profit Utah Clean Energy, praised HB201.

"Our official position," said Knutsen, "is that it's cool."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com

HB201

Would allow St. George to lead off in solar development, including giving a tax credit for using the equipment.

Next step: Goes to the full House for debate