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.

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.

This homeowner not only enjoys the solar hot water system itself, but she also likes how the installation was done (with pipes neatly organized in a small space and valves clearly labeled).  The homeowner appreciated the friendly and considerate people at TFS and that she was able to get all of her questions answered. She told us that inspectors from both the city and TEP gave very positive feedback regarding the installation and TFS as a company!

The Markowitz family enjoys that their new solar hot water system helps to lower their carbon footprint. These homeowners said that enjoyed working with TFS, because ” the staff is well trained and overall great people to work with, helpful, and knowledgeable.”

These homeowners chose to install a solar hot water system, because it simply made sense. They work to further reduce their carbon footprint by using a biodiesel powered vehicle.

The Stirrat family chose to replace their old solar hot water heater with efficient, reliable solar technology. They appreciated working with TFS, because TFS told them exactly what to expect and then met those expectations. They like knowing that the sun is their energy source for hot water.

These homeowners make the most of their rainwater harvesting by using two cisterns for water storage. They chose to install a solar hot water system because it made sense with Tucson’s abundant sunshine, and rising utility prices. They said the best part of working with TFS was, “[TFS] did what they said they would do, when they said they would do it, and they did it right.”

These West Tucson residents use several forms of sustainable technology in their home, including two cisterns for water harvesting, solar electricity, and a solar hot water heater. Their favorite part of the new hot water system is being able to use efficient, renewable energy to heat their water.  The best part of working with TFS, for this family, was the simple process.

These East Tucson residents utilize both solar hot water and solar electricity in their home. They enjoy seeing how much energy their system produces.

The Nichols family chose to install a solar hot water system, because they needed a new hot water heater and wanted to make the switch to solar technology. They like that their solar hot water system is environmentally helpful, cost efficient, and works great.