With more than 300 days of sunshine annually in Rio Rancho, one homeowner is taking advantage of the sun to heat his house.

John Paulson is using solar panels to heat the thermal water system in his home in Chamisa Hills. He says that by using solar energy, he will not have to pay a gas bill. Eventually, Paulson said he wants to install photo-voltaic panels, so he won’t have to pay an electric bill.

But, it’s just not monetary savings that’s motivating Paulson to jump on the solar bandwagon. He said he’s concerned about the environment and wants to do his part in using alternative energy and less of a reliance on fossil fuels. Paulson had two three-foot by seven-foot panels installed on his flat roof. He said the panels will pay for themselves within four to five years and last for up to 25 years. The panels aren’t difficult to install. He said they can be installed by a three-man crew in one day.

The panel catches the sun’s rays and transfers the heat via copper wires to connectors coming out of the water heater.

Paulson is hoping more people use solar energy to heat their homes or businesses. Paulson is one of the owners of 310 Solar in Albuquerque, and said he’s willing to help people make the jump to solar.