St. Monica’s Solar Install: Part 2
St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Parish’s solar electric system has been installed and their green remodel is finished! The 5kW donated system will produce 765 kWh of clean electricity for the church each month, and will help to reduce their electric bills by about $900 every year.
On March 18th TFS got back on the roof to finish installing the solar grant system. The installation happened in two parts. First we installed standoffs, setting the groundwork for eventually installing the system. Then, roofers came in to install new foam sealant and insulation. Now, the roof has an additional 6 inches of insulation to help keep the building cool.
After the roof work was complete we were ready to get on the roof again. We built racking, mounted modules, hooked everything up and installed the inverters downstairs. The last step was to have the City of Tucson inspect the system, which passed on April 1st. Check out the pictures below to learn more about the building of the racking and the module installation process.
St. Monica’s Church- TFS’s 2012 Solar Grant Recipient!
St. Monica’s Solar Install: Part 1
St. Monica's Solar
TFS on Arizona Illustrated
Arizona Illustrated recently did a series of articles on solar in Tucson. They spoke with Hank Krzysik, architect and parishioner at Our Mother of Sorrows , Kevin Koch of Technicians for Sustainability and a number of houses of worship that have decided to install solar to provide for their electricity. The series looks into environmental stewardship and the opportunities for non-profit organizations to go solar.
Our Mother of Sorrows Goes Solar, Story by Kirstin Kirner
Don’t Call It Sun Worship, Story by Tony Paniagua
Solar Wanes in AZ With Fewer Incentives, Story by Tony Paniagua
TFS on Downtown Low Down
Danielle was invited to speak on KXCI Community Radio to discuss our 2013 Open House that took place on Feb. 28th.
St. Monica’s Solar Install: Part 1
Last week the TFS solar technicians were up on the roof of St Monica’s Church, beginning to install their new solar electric system. St. Monica’s, which was the 2012 recipient of the TFS Solar Grant, is undergoing significant remodeling of the interior, exterior and roof of the building. We’ve been working with the primary architect [...]
Read more...St. Monica’s Church- TFS’s 2012 Solar Grant Recipient!
Technicians for Sustainability (TFS) has long been concerned about the environment and the community. It is our belief that to help one is to help the other, and in our line of work, we are happy to be able to do just that. By installing solar hot water and solar electricity across Tucson, we are [...]
Read more...New Southwest Gas Solar Hot Water Incentive
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) has been offering incentives to switch to solar hot water for several years and now Southwest Gas is offering their own incentive. The new Southwest Gas rebate has limited funding, and is a great deal. If you need an excuse to save the environment and reduce your monthly expenses, then check [...]
Read more...St Francis in the Foothills Honors Nature with Solar
Tucson, AZ- June 25th, 2012- St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church is proud to announce the adoption of solar electricity that now powers their facility, including the church itself and the adjacent International School for Peace preschool. Their main motivation to install solar power on the church was to uphold their vision statement, [...]
Read more...Tucson Church Saves with Solar
Tucson, AZ- April 17, 2012- St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church is celebrating the completion of their solar power system. Installed on three covered parking structures, this project was made possible by a generous gift from dedicated parishioner Dr. Donna Cosulich. The solar system allows the church to save money and make a public [...]
Read more...Technicians for Sustainability 2012 Solar Grant Open Applications
Tucson, AZ – February 1, 2012 – Technicians for Sustainability (TFS) is proud to announce the opening of our 2012 Solar Grant application process. Starting immediately we will be accepting applications until March 21, the Spring Equinox. The TFS grant program is funded by 1% of our revenue to help non-profit groups install renewable energy [...]
Read more...TEP 2012 Incentive Q&A
The solar industry in Tucson has been experiencing a number of changes regarding the TEP utility incentives. We are happy to keep you in the loop: below you will find answers to some common questions. Is there still money for solar? The incentive for solar electric (photovoltaic) systems in Tucson Electric Power (TEP) service territory [...]
Read more...Swim, Bike, Run – Powered by the Sun
Tucson, AZ- January 13, 2012: TriSports.com, Tucson’s very own triathlon, cycling, running and swimming gear shop, is now generating up to 100% of their electricity from solar power. The 128 kW solar electric (photovoltaic) system, designed and installed by Technicians for Sustainability, consists of two solar arrays mounted on custom built steel shade structures and [...]
Read more...2012 Solar Policy Update
On December 20th, 2011, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) passed the Tucson Electric Power 2012 Renewable Energy Standard Implementation Plan, throwing a lifeline to commercial solar opportunities, but failing to deliver on hundreds of letters and comments from Southern Arizonans requesting more residential solar rather than a lower surcharge. As some of you may know, [...]
Read more...What exactly is net metering?
One of the exciting aspects of going solar is that your business becomes its own mini power plant. When you make the switch to solar electricity (PV), your utility company will switch out your current meter with a NET meter. The NET meter keeps track of the amount of energy your PV system sends back to [...]
Read more...All Charged Up at Brooklyn Pizza Company
Tucson, AZ- October 3rd, 2011- Brooklyn Pizza Company and Sky Bar announce the installation of two new electric vehicle charging stations in their shared solar covered parking lot. The two Blink electric vehicle charging stations have been installed near the solar canopies at Brooklyn Pizza Company and Sky Bar on Fourth Ave. These charging stations [...]
Read more...Soup Kitchen Saves with Solar
Tucson, AZ- October 3rd, 2011- Casa Maria Soup Kitchen announces the completion of its rooftop solar power system. The 3.87 kW solar electric (photovoltaic) system was paid for by a grant from Technicians for Sustainability, an incentive from Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and private donations. Producing over $70 dollars worth of electricity each month, the [...]
Read more...Is Solar Hot Water Right for Your Home?
Need some help understanding the financial ins and outs of solar hot water? If you are considering installing a solar hot water collector, the following table will give you some tips about the best way to take full advantage of your investment. TFS strongly believes that getting hot water from the sun is the best [...]
Read more...Southern Arizona Solar Standards Board
As the solar industry continues to shine in Southern Arizona, a new organization, known as the Southern Arizona Solar Standards Board (SASSB), has been introduced to ensure that consumers receive professional, quality service when solar equipment is installed at their homes. Why? With the tremendous growth of the solar industry in southern Arizona, Tucsonans have [...]
Read more...TFS’s Nissan Leaf: Real World Electric Vehicle Performance in Tucson
The TFS Nissan Leaf is powered by the sun. Durring the month of May, we drove 685 miles which translates to 142 kWh of electricity consumed. The car can easily be powered by a 1kW solar PV system.
Read more...Amity Foundation
Amity Foundation is seeking a grant from TFS to install a solar energy system at their Circle Tree Ranch campus located in Tucson, AZ. Social Actions Amity has provided treatment services to the men, women, and children of Tucson for over 42 years. Intent on addressing the needs of the most marginalized individuals of our society, [...]
Read more...Coyote TaskForce
Coyote TaskForce is seeking a grant from TFS to install a solar energy system at their downtown Tucson building housing Our Place Clubhouse and Café 54. Social Efforts Coyote TaskForce is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in May of 1989 dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) throughout Pima [...]
Read more...Solar Electric Financing: Zero Down Loan vs. Zero Down Lease: Part 3 of 3
The final installment of this lease blog attempts to compare a direct purchase of a solar electric system by way of a long-term loan vs. a zero down lease option. Please note, the numbers in this blog are strictly estimates, actual direct purchase numbers and lease terms will vary considerably depending on the household and [...]
Read more...Solar Leasing: Who is it good for? Part 2 of 3
Leasing companies have created three different types of leases, a zero down lease – meaning no money down at signing, a lease with money down, and a prepaid lease – a large sum is required upfront, with no subsequent lease payments for the term of the lease. Our goal for the second part of this [...]
Read more...Weighing the Solar Options: Leasing vs. Financing vs. Owning a Solar Electricity System, Part 1 of 3
As the solar industry seeks to reach more and more people, new financing options are being created to help homeowners overcome the upfront cost of solar. This blog entry is one of three that will attempt to demystify the benefits and trade-offs of the three main paths to get solar on your roof: leasing, financing, [...]
Read more...October is Energy Awareness Month
A presidential proclamation, in 1991, made October Energy Awareness Month. For 19 years, non-profit organizations, large and small businesses, government organizations, and concerned citizens have celebrated this month with activities and actions to promote public understanding of our energy needs and simple ways to reduce the amount of energy we consume in our everyday lives. [...]
Read more...Energy Efficiency: Are you missing the mark?
An interesting paper has recently been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences entitled “Public perceptions of energy consumption and savings”, which suggests that when it comes to conserving energy, many people seem to be missing the mark. In a national online survey, 505 participants reported their perceptions of energy consumption and [...]
Read more...Celebrate Your Solar
TFS customers throughout Southern Arizona are showing their solar pride and promoting the solar power movement. Making the switch from fossil fuels not only benefits you, but also our shared environmental future. Below are a few ways that you can let your fellow community members know you are making a difference. Once again, thank you [...]
Read more...Watts & Kilowatts & kWh… Oh My!
We have all looked at a lightbulb and noticed that it says, “100 Watts,” but what does that mean? We’ve also looked at our utility bill and seen that we’ve been charged for the amount of kilowatt-hours (kWh) we’ve used. But, again, what does this all mean? These terms are often used incorrectly and interchangeably, [...]
Read more...Solar Education Programs
As part of our mission, we believe we have a social responsibility to educate our fellow community members about solar energy and the importance of employing renewable resources. We are always willing to speak with local groups about sustainability, water catchment, and solar power. Solar Open House We understand and appreciate that each of our customers [...]
Read more...Referral Program
Solar provides enormous benefits for the environment and your wallet, but it’s also great for our community. Do you know someone who is interested in going solar? Each time you send us a referral that results in a new TFS customer, we’ll make a $100 donation, in your name, to your favorite local non-profit (must [...]
Read more...Photo Journal: Culvert Cistern Installation
Below is a photo journal of a culvert cistern installation completed by the TFS water harvesting crew. The full installation took place over two days, one week apart. Day 1 TFS crew arrives on site, marks out cistern location and levels ground. Underground plumbing is put together and buried in the pad. Gutter and rainhead [...]
Read more...Local Non-Profit Organizations
There are many great non-profits to support with your customer referral. Below, are some of the organizations that strive to make southern Arizona a great place to live, for present and future generations. Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Inc. – Mission: To preserve and improve our environment, conserve natural resources, and enhance the quality of [...]
Read more...Industry Yard Signs
The following are examples of the industry yard signs that TFS has had made. If you are interested in having these signs made for your company, e-mail Tiernay Marsh at tiernay@tfssolar.com for a file that you can customize with your company information. TFS currently has these yard signs made at Signage for about $12 each. Each sign [...]
Read more...Survey Shows More Americans Support Solar Energy
Solar energy is getting the positive attention and widespread acceptance it deserves. A recent study from Rasmussen Reports (a comprehensive public opinion poll) showed that 44% of Americans believe in investing in solar for their home. According to the survey, nearly one out of three adults (31%) say they are at least somewhat likely to [...]
Read more...Solar Continues to Shine Bright
Solar continues to Shine Bright in SEIA’s 2009 Year in Review Once again, we are seeing proof that an economic recession can’t stop the sun from shining in, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). They recently released the 2009 U.S. Solar Industry Year in Review, which reports on the health of the solar [...]
Read more...TFS Visits Local Schools to Teach Solar Facts
These days, elementary students have heard of the impacts of climate change, greenhouse gases, and conservation. Also, as the need for clean, renewable energy becomes more pressing, the topic of solar energy is increasingly integrated into school curriculum and lesson plans. Solar power is not a topic of discussion for the future, but a lesson [...]
Read more...The Open PV Project: See Solar Grow
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to actually watch the solar movement grow right in front of your eyes? If the answer is yes, then have we got a tool for you! The solar industry now has eye-popping, interactive maps and charts that show where PV systems are being installed, how big [...]
Read more...Solar Can Meet 10% of U.S. Energy Needs by 2030
The solar energy report, “Building a Solar Future: Repowering America’s Homes, Businesses and Industry with Solar Energy,” was released recently, which outlines a plan for using solar power to meet 10% of the United States’ total energy needs by 2030. The report explains how solar energy can be incorporated into our homes, businesses, farms, and [...]
Read more...Increased Incentives Help Tucson Businesses Tap the Sun
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approved Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Company’s 2010 application for its renewable energy standard tariff (REST) implementation plan. The REST plan, which became effective February 1, 2010, will increase the utility rebates for businesses that install commercial solar electricity and/or small commercial solar hot water systems. The 2010 implementation plan will [...]
Read more...Coal’s Assault on Human Health
Recently Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) released a medical report, “Coal’s Assault on Human Health,” which takes a new look at coal’s effect on public health. The report examines the impact of coal pollution on the major organ systems from the lungs to the brain. This report caught our attention since nearly 95% of our [...]
Read more...10 good reasons to go solar in 2010!
1. Lock in your electricity rates Investing in a solar electric system is like buying 30 years of electricity at a fixed rate, thereby reducing your exposure to rising utility rates. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Arizona had the third highest utility rate in the western U.S. in 2009 (following California and Oregon). [...]
Read more...Solar: Creating Both Electricity and Jobs Close to Home
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that unemployment in the U.S. has reached over 10%, it is more important than ever to discuss the importance of going solar and creating green jobs. We’ve been hearing a lot of buzz in the media about ‘green jobs’ and many are wondering when we will start seeing [...]
Read more...Arizona is making the grade and freeing the grid!
The report “Freeing the Grid”, released by solar energy advocates Vote Solar Initiative, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, the Solar Alliance, and the Network for New Energy Choices, gave their 2009 assessment for each states’ net metering practices. Our sun-drenched state earned an A for its net metering policies, which is a nice improvement from the [...]
Read more...What exactly is net metering?
One of the exciting aspects of going solar is that your home becomes its own mini power plant. When you make the switch to solar electricity (PV), your utility company will switch out your current meter with a NET meter. The NET meter keeps track of the amount of energy your PV system sends back [...]
Read more...How Big is Your Water Footprint?
As many of us know carbon (CO2) is one of the leading contributors of global climate change; however, when we talk about energy use and our ‘carbon footprint’ we may also want to think about our ‘water footprint’. Water and energy are not only precious natural resources, they also have an intertwined relationship. In order [...]
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