TFS’s most recent grant recipient is Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S). This non-profit organization is based in Tucson. They are committed to conserving the aridlands-adapted heirloom agricultural crops of the Greater Southwest and promoting the crops and agricultural traditions that have evolved with the harsh conditions of this desert region. NS/S has worked hard to make their mission a reality, and as a result, they outgrew their 485 square foot seed bank. Through a capital campaign effort, Native Seeds’ has a new 7,000 square foot facility, that will be a model of sustainability. In addition to solar power, rainwater harvesting, and use of sustainable building materials (e.g. recycled blue jean insulation), this facility will be home to demonstration gardens, historic orchards, and a community classroom space.

According to Byrn Jones, Executive Director of NS/S, “Our [NS/S] goal is to become a showcase in the community for green building.” In an effort to help support NS/S’s goal to have a facility with as small of a carbon footprint as possible, TFS donated the labor to install a 9.18 kW PV system. This PV system will save this non-profit approximately $1720 in annual operating costs. This system will also help to offset nearly 32,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (a direct contributor to global warming) and save 7,160 gallons of water annually.

 For the Deichman family, cost was a prime motivator for installing a PV system on their home. They felt the system was not only affordable, but their favorite part about their new solar electric system is that it will save them money on their monthly energy bills for the next 25 to 35 years.

View KXCI’s system output here.

The KXCI Community Radio PV system was installed on their 106 year-old building and commissioned in April 2010,  as part of TFS’s solar grant program for local nonprofit organizations. TFS donates solar energy systems to nonprofits twice a year as part of their commitment to giving back to the community and social responsibility. TFS was excited to be able to help KXCI go solar and create a more environmentally friendly community radio station. All of the system costs are covered by the grant, which allows KXCI to directly benefit from the monthly utility savings.

KXCI was chosen in part due to their long-established resource conservation program that includes recycling, phasing out administrative paper use, and their continuous support of environmentally-minded organizations and community events. The PV system will lower KXCI’s monthly electric bill approximately $100 per month, and help protect them from future electricity rate increases. This solar grant also gives the radio station a wonderful opportunity to inspire their community listeners to be mindful of their energy use and renewable sources of energy.

Photos (click to enlarge): Left - KXCI received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for being Southern Arizona’s first and only solar powered community radio. Right - TFS was excited to received a “Thank You,” from Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords .

Click here to view the output from this system.

As an engineer in the research and teaching of sustainable energy, Mr. Scott wanted to gain first-hand experience, and he felt that Southern Arizona would be an ideal location to install his system. What the Scott family liked most about their experience with TFS was the overall attitude, willingness to answer questions, and responsive to their time frame needs.They also liked that the technicians used paint which was provided to paint the conduit both leading from the roof and in the garage, as well as boxes near the electric meters. Not only do they enjoy the energy their new system produces, but they really enjoy the ability to track the energy production on the Internet.

When this homeowner decided to add a fruit tree to her backyard landscape, she wisely decided to first plant the water. A greywater pipe from the laundry machine near the back patio was easily routed underground to a heavily mulched basin for a citrus tree. As citrus appreciate deep infrequent soaks, this homeowner does multiple loads of laundry at once, to fit the tree’s needs and her own lifestyle. One year after the install, the homeowner says she has never given the tree supplemental water, and performed no maintenance other than applying fertilizer.

Due to a problematic well and a strong conservation ethic, these homeowners were low water users even before they switched to rainwater. When they decided to trade half of the space in their carport for rainwater storage space, they were able to meet most of their water needs with harvested rainwater.

These two connected cisterns collect water from several roof drains and feed to a pump which pressurizes the water through the house lines. Instead of filtering all rainwater coming in, these homeowners chose to install a simple filter at their kitchen sink to only filter water used for drinking and cooking.

As their neighborhood faces the threat of a well running dry, this home boasts the unique feature of water independence.

Although all landscaping around the home is natural desert landscape, these homeowners chose to boost the native trees near their home by adding a laundry greywater line that can be extended to nearby trees and shrubs.

These West Tucson residents chose to install a solar hot water system because it was the right thing to do and it was a good price. These homeowners liked that TFS paid careful attention to the installation, took care of all of the utility rebate paperwork, and fully explained how the system worked, the advantages and things to be aware of when installing a solar hot water system. What they like most about their new system is that they are getting hot water without using fossil-fuels.

When this Tucson couple decided to retrofit their backyard landscape, they wanted to design the yard with water conservation in mind. Native shrubs and flowers complement the existing trees in this landscape, which now line the raised pathways which double as water harvesting berms. Soil amendment and wood mulch was added to the sunken planted areas, to improve soil quality over time.

A culvert cistern, shaded by a trellis and climbing vines, catches and stores rainwater off the roof which can be used to as supplemental water for the numerous citrus trees, vegetables, and spiral herb garden.

This Saddlebrooke homeowner chose to install a PV system to not only save but he also wanted to keep the planet cleaner by choosing a non-polluting energy source. One of the things he enjoys most about his new system is that he can monitor the data from his solar PV system remotely from anywhere there’s an Internet connection.

Southside Presbyterian received a new solar hot water system through the TFS solar grant program, which is self-funded through a percentage of our annual profits. The solar hot water system enhances the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability, green building, and renewable energy.

TFS was proud to be able to donate a solar hot water heater for Southside’s Shower Program, which reflects values of positive social and environmental change. This humanitarian program provides a host of services to individuals in need including: a hot shower, shave, haircut, a warm meal, and a place to wash and receive clothing. Furthermore, the Shower Program is the main contributor to their on-site compost bins. The compost is used in their garden, which contributes fresh food to their meal service.

Many of Southside’s actions reflect their sustainable values. In a response to climate change and global warming, they formed an ECO Committee to learn, educate, and take action in the area environmental sustainability. For instance, bio-friendly products are used for the congregation potlucks, and their weekly bulletin contains suggestions for moving toward more sustainable living at home. Members of the congregation participate in the Southside’s energy and water use audits, so that all members are able to duplicate these actions in their own homes. Also, the landscaping at Southside consists of native vegetation and utilizes rainwater harvesting in its design.

“We’re excited and honored to be the recipient of TFS’s solar grant,” said Anne Gooden, a spokesperson for Southside Presbyterian. “Our shower program was one of our biggest uses of electricity. Installing this solar hot water system for our Shower Program helps us achieve our goal of fostering a more sustainable community. Not only do we improve our own energy practices, it helps us continue to educate members of our church and the greater community.”

At a time when many organizations are struggling economically, Southside’s new solar hot water system will help control energy consumption, and reduce operational costs. TFS awarded the full grant to Southside Presbyterian because of their extensive work in support of sustainability and the disenfranchised members of the Tucson community. We are proud to support the efforts of Southside Presbyterian. This organization is a great example of a local organization that is ‘practicing what they preach,’ by caring not only for the planet but the people who live in their community.