raw · articles · ingested 2026-08-01
Our History — nmsolar.org (Keith Haggard as Executive Director)
Source: https://www.nmsolar.org/our-history/
Fetched from https://www.nmsolar.org/our-history/ on 2026-08-01.
Founding and founders
The New Mexico Solar Energy Association was established in 1972 by Peter van Dresser, Steve Baer, and Keith Haggard. They organized the first “Life Technic” Conference; proceedings became NMSEA’s initial official publication.
Key figures and roles
- Keith Haggard — served as NMSEA Executive Director during the Sun-dwellings Project.
- Peter van Dresser — passive solar pioneer; one of three founders.
- Steve Baer — zome architecture and solar energy innovator; co-founder.
- Doug Balcomb — passive solar research pioneer; later NMSEA President and first NREL Director.
Sun-dwellings Project
Initiated around 1973-1974 with federal grants totaling $102,000; Ghost Ranch-based; four 20’ x 40’ test structures demonstrating lean-to greenhouse, Trombe wall, direct gain, and a control building. Construction began in 1976 with local trainees.
Organizational evolution
1977-1982 peak with paid staff and research programs; 1983 funding collapse and loss of van Dresser; first SunPaper 1994; hosted ASES National Conference 1998; first standalone Solar Fiesta 2000.