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 has been reduced from $0.50 to $0.20/watt due to high demand. In just the first month of this year, 25% of TEP's annual solar incentive budget was reserved.  At the beginning of May 50% of the annual budget was reserved, dropping the incentive just $0.05. In July the incentive dropped again to $0.50/watt when 75% of the budget was reserved.  This latest drop results from 90% of the budget being reserved.  This reflects the fact that over 815 systems have been reserved so far in 2012, most of which are solar electric systems. Where will TEP's incentive go from here? The new $0.20/watt incentive will remain until all of the annual budget is reserved. What does this tell us? The first incentive drop indicates that there was pent up demand from the fall, when no incentives were available, and that at the $0.75/watt incentive level, solar was a good enough deal that many people were motivated to install systems. At the $0.60 level, solar remained a great deal under the leasing model. At the $0.20/watt level, both leased and customer-owned systems are experiencing a similar pay back period. More questions? Call us at 520.740.0736

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 a third array mounted on their roof.  The panels will produce over 19,000 kWh per month which has the potential to cover all of the electricity the business uses.  TriSports.com is the first triathlon shop to get even close to generating 100% of its electricity from solar power in the United States: they’re winning the race for sustainability.

The addition of this solar system at TriSports.com reaffirms the company’s dedication to sustainable practices.  The 128 kW solar system saves 18,560 lbs of coal from being burned each month and 41,400 lbs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.  Perhaps most importantly, the TriSports.com solar array will save approximately 9,280 gal of water each month as compared to traditional electricity generation. This fact is often overlooked but is extremely significant in the Sonoran Desert where we live.

Sustainability has always been a goal of TriSports.com and solar is just the latest addition to a larger integration of sustainable practices.  Seton Claggett, CEO of TriSports.com, shared this, "Three years ago I told our staff and our vendors that we would be on solar within the next 5 years, and here we are.  This is a large investment for us but it is the right thing to do for our environment, our staff, our customers, our  vendors and for our future generations.” TriSports.com has two large rainwater cisterns that collect and store up to 36,000 gallons of water at a time, which is then used to irrigate the landscaping. The company also made the switch to energy efficient lighting with their latest  renovations, which significantly reduces their electricity consumption.

Not only was installing their solar system an environmentally-conscious decision, but it also makes sense from a financial standpoint.  The  TriSports.com system will offer a four and a half year payback period, a 10% rate of return, and for the first twenty years the solar system will  save the company over $467,000.

Bruce Plenk, the City of Tucson’s Solar Coordinator, congratulates TriSports.com on their new solar system.  "I am impressed with the foresight and leadership of Tucson businesses like TriSports.com who have chosen to be leaders in installing solar using their sunny rooftops as well as their parking areas to generate electricity, reduce our urban heat island and save their business money. This is a wonderful example that I hope other Tucson businesses will see and follow. Thanks to TriSports.com for showing the way to a solar future in our Solar America City!"

About TriSports.com

TriSports.com is an industry leader in triathlon, swim, bike and run retail, starting out of the home of Seton and Debbie Claggett in April 2000.  Eleven years and two moves later, TriSports.com occupies 32,000 square feet of retail, warehouse and office space with 50+ employees.  TriSports.com is more than just a retail presence, however; the company is also very involved with growing the sport through partnerships with races, clubs, teams and other endeavors, like being a founding member of Triathlon America, as well as being actively involved in the local Arizona community. TriSports.com also has a non-profit company, TriSports Racing, which puts on the Deuces Wild Triathlon Festival, certified as a silver-level green event through the Council for Responsible Sport, and is a founding member of their Community of Practice, an effort to ensure the future of sports in a sustainable way. TriSports.com has been recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work (2009 & 2010); by Triathlete Magazine as one of Triathlete’s Best Places to Work (2010); as one of the top 100 bike shops in the US by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (2010 & 2011); as a top 10 triathlon store by Triathlon America (2011); by Comerica Bank as one of Arizona’s 50 Companies to Watch (October 2008); as one of BizAZ’s Top 35 Entrepreneurs Under 35 (June 2008); by Wells Fargo with their Copper Cactus Award for Business Growth (October 2005); and as Arizona’s Greenest Workplace by Mrs. Green’s World (October 2011).  Learn more about TriSports.com online at www.TriSports.com/info.html.

About Technicians For Sustainability

Technicians For Sustainability (TFS) is a locally owned, mission-driven business, committed to walking their talk.  They provide businesses,  public institutions, and residential homeowners with high quality, clean, renewable energy systems, helping to translate environmental values into practical reality.  The company employs proven technologies to meet customers' specific needs, including solar electricity and solar hot water heating.  TFS has installed over 6 megawatts of solar power in southern Arizona.  For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit tfssolar.com.

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2012 Solar Policy Update

On December 20^th, 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, achieving compliance in 2012 would have required no additional commercial installations. In addition, the tax advantages of residential leased systems have driven the utility incentive levels down so low that customer owned systems are impractical. Below are some details and anticipated consequences from the ACC’s decision.

1.       The TEP’s renewable energy budget for new distributed generation systems was cut from approximately $18.5 million in 2011 to approximately $8 million in 2012. The maximum surcharge residential customers will pay dropped from $4.5 to approximately $3.15 per month.

2.       Commercial solar incentives have been reduced. The ACC did authorize funds beyond what is required by the REST rules for 2012, which theoretically may be enough to cover a similar number of installations as 2011. However, the reductions in incentive levels are so aggressive that they risk stalling the commercial market in 2012, which would likely result in lost jobs and lost brain trust. The rationale put forward by Chairman Pierce was that installations which are not required by compliance should be at a great deal to the ratepayer. In contrast, we would have liked to see full funding for a robust commercial market employing a competitive bidding process to harness competition and give the ratepayer a good deal. We also would have preferred funding for up front incentives (UFI) for the commercial market rather than performance based incentives (PBI), as the latter have legacy costs totaling as much as $17 million dollars, whereas up front incentives could have been used to fund the entire amount at $6 million or less.

3.       The Commission chose not to address differences between leased systems and customer owned systems, in effect making it impractical for Tucsonans to own their own PV systems going forward. We expect almost all new systems to be leased this year. The Commission denied a request to provide higher incentives for customer owned systems than for leased systems, thereby effectively shifting the subsidization of solar from the ratepayer to the federal tax payer, and ultimately increasing the cost of solar with all funding sources accounted for. This is due to the fact that leased systems take advantage of depreciation, and they typically use a higher value for calculating the basis for the 30% tax credit. Each of these practices reduces federal tax revenue as compared to a residential solar purchase.

4.       Incentive levels will likely drop throughout this year. The Commission adopted a “smart trigger” which will cause reductions in relation to the rate of reservations for residential incentives. Incentives will start at $0.75 per watt, and will drop to $0.60 if 25% of the budget is reserved before March 31. We support the smart trigger system, and hope that it will result in incentives which track the market better than in previous years. We do have concerns about the potential for the incentives to adjust should the cost of solar increase due to higher cost modules, higher cost capital for the leases, or other unforeseen market dynamics.

5.       For all new reservations, customers adopting solar will continue to pay the REST surcharge, even if they have a net zero bill in any given month. The surcharge customers pay will be equal to what they would have paid if they had not installed a solar system. Customers who previously installed systems will not be affected by this decision.

The end result is that opportunities for Tucsonans to install solar systems on their homes continue to exist. In fact, the lease option not only allows for a 100% prepaid option, which is very similar to the customer owned system purchase, but it also offers an option to pay monthly for a solar system, with the saving on the electric bill exceeding the payments into the lease. As long as incentives remain at a reasonable level, install costs remain low, and financing (and investors) remain available, the residential solar market should be robust this year.

And for profitable businesses with significant federal tax liability and straightforward installations, the commercial market will continue to be a good investment.

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 the grid, as well any extra energy your business pulls from the grid to meet your business' additional electricity needs. This is known as “Net Metering” and it allows you to get the full benefits of your solar electric system. There will be times of the year (e.g. during the spring) when your solar electric system is pumping out more energy than your business is using. When this happens, the excess energy is sent back to the utility grid, and the utility company gives you a credit for the electricity it received.

For those times of the year, when your solar electricity system may not cover all of your energy needs (e.g. during the winter when there are shorter days, or when it’s cloudy for several days in a row), you will pull additional electricity from the utility grid. You don’t have to switch anything on or keep track of anything.  No extra steps need to be taken on your part. This electricity you’re using from the grid is sent to your business exactly like it was prior to you installing solar.  You will never notice a difference between electricity produced by your solar panels or utility-produced electricity.

At the end of the monthly billing cycle the utility company will check your meter to determine how much you owe (or don’t owe) them. Throughout the month the NET meter has recorded the amount of excess energy you’ve sent back to the grid and how much energy you have pulled from the grid. If you sent more electricity back to the utility grid than you have received, a credit will appear on your bill that will be applied to your next month’s electricity usage. On the other hand, if you have pulled more electricity from the grid that you have sent back to it, you will owe the utility for the electricity that you used.

Now that you understand the concept of net metering, you still may be wondering why you wouldn’t want to install a system that provides more electricity than you need. After all, you can make money on the excess electricity that you send back to the grid, right? Unfortunately, in Arizona it doesn’t work quite like that.

Once a year at the end of the October billing cycle, TEP will give you a final credit for the balance of any excess energy you sent back to the grid. Although, it’s nice to receive this credit, it’s not exactly ‘apples to apples’. The utility company pays you wholesale (about 3-4 cents per kWh) for your electricity even though you paid retail prices (about 8-10 cents per kWh) for the electricity when you used it. The result is a very small credit that will not increase your return on investment faster than simply sizing your system to meet your business' energy needs. An appropriately sized system is the best way to get the full financial benefits from your PV system, and the best return on investment.

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 added to a growing number around town which are being installed as an effort to create infrastructure for electric vehicles. This initiative is part of a $99 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) stimulus grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Pima Association of Governments Clean Cities program signed on to the initiative in March 2009. "We are so proud to be a part of Brooklyn Pizza Company's success of being the first commercial public charging station that is solar powered", stated Colleen Crowninshield of PAG's Energy Programs.

Although there are public charging stations installed under the DOE program at local places like Bookmans and Thoroughbred Nissan, these are the first electric vehicle charging stations in Arizona to connect solar power to electric vehicle charging. Electric vehicles offer independence from imported oil, as well as significantly lower transportation costs. Combined with renewable energy, they also offer an attractive alternative to fossil fuel based transportation.

The Level 2 (240 V) charging stations, which offer a full charge in just a few hours, were installed by Ecotality, in partnership with the Electric Vehicle Project, and the Pima Association of Governments (PAG). Ecotality won the DOE contract to install 200 level 2 stations in Arizona by January 2012. Sites were selected with the assistance of PAG.

According to Tony Vaccaro, owner of Brooklyn Pizza and Sky Bar, the charging station parking spots are open to any electric vehicles whose owners wish to park in the lot and charge their vehicles while on Fourth Avenue. Visitors can plug in while they shop or top off while they dine.

Robert Clingaman, of Tucson LEAF Owners, a local electric vehicle owners group, says his group plans to gather to recognize this company's dedication to solar power and to celebrate the installation of the two Blink charging stations in November.

About Brooklyn Pizza Company

Established in 1996 on Tucson's historic 4th Avenue, Brooklyn Pizza Company quickly became a local favorite. It provides top notch pizza in a happy, fun, and lively environment. Their goal is to make every dining experience an enjoyable one, with prompt service, high quality food, and fair prices. www.brooklynpizzacompany.com

About Technicians For Sustainability

Technicians For Sustainability (TFS) is a locally owned, mission-driven business, committed to walking their talk. They provide businesses, public institutions, and residential homeowners with high-quality, clean, renewable energy systems, helping to translate environmental values into a practical reality. The company employs proven technologies to meet customer's specific needs, including solar electricity and solar hot water heating. TFS has installed over two megawatts of solar power in southern Arizona. For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit tfssolar.com

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On the Web:

www.pagnet.org

www.ecotality.com

Contacts:

Anthony Vaccaro	Kevin Koch
Brooklyn Pizza Company	Technicians for Sustainability
520-622-6868	520-740-0736
brooklyntony@gmail.com	info@tfssolar.com

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 solar array will allow Casa Maria to use a greater proportion of its budget to go toward feeding those in need, their primary mission.

Located on an old adobe home at 352 E 25th St, the 18 panel solar array is a visual reminder of how solar is spreading in southern Arizona, even to places as unlikely as a soup kitchen. The cost for the project was around $22,000, with $7,750 offset by TEP’s incentive program, Sun Share. Casa Maria Soup Kitchen was also awarded a solar grant, worth over $7,000, through Technicians for Sustainability (TFS), a local solar installation company. The rest of the system costs were made up through private donations resulting in an entirely free solar array for Casa Maria.

"Solar in Tucson is not limited to huge public installations or large homes. We are a DOE Solar America City because of the strong solar community that has developed in Tucson. One important aspect of that community is helping non-profits go solar. This solar grant program from TFS is a good demonstration of the strength of the Tucson solar community", says Bruce Plenk, City of Tucson Solar Coordinator.

The newly solar powered soup kitchen subsists entirely off of private donations, and manages to feed hundreds of hungry Tucsonans daily. The significant utility savings resulting from the solar energy production will free up approximately $36,000 over the solar array’s 30 year life span, helping the kitchen to dish out its mission to the many needy individuals served each day. According to Casa Maria volunteer, Jerry Gill, "This solar system gives us an opportunity to extend our commitment to serving the poor with justice and in harmony with the earth. We already participate in recycling day old food donated by various food stores and restaurants, as well as used clothing from different private donors. We also grow some food of our own. Now, not only will we be able to save a considerable sum of money, but we will lessen our carbon footprint at the same time."

About Casa Maria

Casa Maria’s mission as part of the lay Catholic Worker movement, founded in 1930 in New York City by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin, is to practice daily the love and compassion of Jesus and to implement the teachings of his Sermon on the Mount by being in solidarity with the poor. At Casa Maria they are committed to acts of mercy, voluntary poverty, pacifism and to the work of justice for the poor.

At their Free Kitchen, they daily serve lunch to 600 single persons, many of whom are homeless, and they provide a family food bag to more than 200 families who are on the edge of poverty. They also have a free Medical Mobile Clinic twice every week, a program for Vaccines for Cats and Dogs, and offer American Citizenship Lessons in Spanish and leadership and Community Organizer Training also in Spanish. Brian Flagg has been the director of Casa Maria for over 25 years.

About Technicians For Sustainability

Technicians For Sustainability (TFS) is a locally owned, mission-driven business, committed to walking their talk. They provide businesses, public institutions, and residential homeowners with high-quality, clean, renewable energy systems, helping to translate environmental values into a practical reality. The company employs proven technologies to meet customer's specific needs, including solar electricity and solar hot water heating. TFS has installed over two megawatts of solar power in southern Arizona. For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit tfssolar.com

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On the Web:

www.tep.com/Green/

tfssolar.com/about-us/community-involvement/

Contacts:

Jerry Gill	Joe Salkowski	Kevin Koch
Casa Maria Volunteer	Tucson Electric Power	Technicians for Sustainability
520-762-0807	520-884-3625	520-740-0736
jslats@att.net	jsalkowski@uns.com	info@tfssolar.com

Sustainability Matters, Does It Make Cents?

The Metropolitan Pima Alliance, with TEP Bright Solutions and the University of Arizona Tech Park Solar Zone are sponsoring an event called Sustainability Matters, Does It Make Cents? Policy, Design and Implementation.  The sustainability and building forum will feature speakers from both the public and private sectors on how they are adapting to the shift towards sustainable building, including how our major utility companies are responding, and will feature Kris Mayes, an Arizona Corporation Commissioner from 2003 - 2010, as the keynote speaker.  The event will take place on Tuesday, August 30th from 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm at Westward Look Resort.  Tickets will be $40 for members, $45 for non-members.  For more information, please view their website.  Contact: 

Metropolitan Pima Alliance mpa@mpaaz.org (520) 878-8811

Introduction to Permaculture Design

On Saturday, October 1st, join the Sonoran Permaculture Guild in a class, an Introduction to Permaculture Design.  The class, which costs $59, will last from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and includes all course materials, handouts, and a delicious mesquite bread snack cooked in a solar oven.  The class will be taught by Dan Dorsey.  There is also a coresponding child's Introduction to Permaculture class, so bring them along!  For more information, please call (520) 624-8030 or dorsey@dakotacom.net.

Introduction to Permaculture for Kids

On Saturday, October 1st bring your kids to learn about Permaculture with the Sonoran Permaculture Guild.  The class will last from 8:45 am – 4:45 pm. This class includes a lunch break at the same time as the Intro to Permaculture class for adults, so kids and parents in class can get together for lunch.Cost: $29 – includes all course materials, a craft to take home, and a native food snack. Call or e-mail Leona for registration or information. (520) 205-0067 or leonafdavis@gmail.com.

Designing a Home Greywater System

On Saturday, September 24th, join the Sonoran Permaculture Guild to learn about how to design a greywater system for your own home.  The class will be from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and will cost $49 which includes all course materials, handouts, and a formal plan you will produce on a greywater system for your own residence.  To learn more, please visit the Sonoran Permaculture website, or you can call or e-mail Leona for registration or information. (520) 205-0067 or leonafdavis@gmail.com.  Directions and more information will be sent with registration.

The Last Mountain, Sponsored by the Loft

Join the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce and The Loft Cinema for a one-night screening of The Last Mountain, a documentary written, directed and produced by Bill Haney.  The only showing in Arizona will be at the Loft Cinema on August 24th at 7:30 pm.  Following the movie will be a discussion with local environmental experts.  Admission is $10 for the general public and $8 for Loft members.  "In the valleys of Appalachia, a fierce battle is being fought over a mountain, a battle over protecting our health and environment from the destructive power of Big Coal. It is a battle with severe consequences that affect every American, regardless of their social status, economic background or where they live.

"The mining and burning of coal is at the epicenter of America's struggle to balance its energy needs with environmental concerns. Nowhere is that concern greater than in Coal River Valley, West Virginia, where a small but passionate group of ordinary citizens are trying to stop Big Coal corporations, like Massey Energy, from continuing the devastating practice of Mountain Top Removal. The citizens argue the practice of dynamiting the mountain's top off to mine the coal within pollutes the air and water, is responsible for the deaths of their neighbors and spreads pollution to other states. Yet, regardless of evidence supporting these claims, massive profit allows Big Coal to wield incredible financial influence over lobbyists and government officials in both parties, rewrite environmental protection laws, avoid lawsuits and eliminate more than 40,000 mining jobs, all while claiming to be a miner's best friend. As our energy needs increase, so does Big Coal's control over our future.

"Written, directed and produced by award-winning documentary filmmaker Bill Haney, THE LAST MOUNTAIN is a passionate and personal tale that honors the extraordinary power of ordinary Americans who dare to fight for what they believe in."

For more information about the film, please visit the Last Mountain website.  To learn more about the Tucson showing and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit the Loft website.

Prickly Pear Foods and Medicines Workshop

The Bean Tree Farm is hosting a workshop on August 13th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm which will include a harvest of prickly pear fruit and pads, both native and heirloom varieties, followed by preparation, discussion and sampling of the cactus in sweet and savory forms. They'll also explore the cactus' uses to promote and maintain health, its value in rewilding and regenerating urban landscapes for wildlife, beauty and food production, and share a feast of local food and drink. Workshop is $50 with lunch.

More info? www.beantreefarm.com  or beantreefarm@gmail.com

More great classes and workshops at: www.sonoranpermaculture.org

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection Hosts Tucson Festival Stop:  Wild & Scenic Film Festival The Wild & Scenic Film Festival brings together a selection of films from the annual festival held each January in Nevada City, CA. The films speak to the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet. “Films featured at Wild & Scenic give people a sense of place,” says Tour Manager Susie Sutphin. “In our busy lives, it’s easy to get disconnected from our role in the global ecosystem. When we realize that the change we need in this world begins with us we can start making a difference.”

Featured films of the evening include Bag It, Walking the Line, and Wild vs. Wall. Bag It seeks to unravel the complexities of our modern plastic world. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effects on our waterways, oceans, and our bodies. Walking the Line follows thru-hiker Adam Bradley as he walks 500 miles of a proposed transmission line – a line through some of the West’s most remote landscapes – to find out how our country’s transition to renewable energy will affect the land, wildlife and people. Wild vs. Wall examines the environmental impact of the current border policy. Created by the Borderlands Campaign of the Sierra Club – Grand Canyon Chapter, this film addresses the ecological effects of enforcement and infrastructure in the four states that share boundaries with Mexico.

The festival is a natural extension of the work of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. The Coalition, comprised of 39 conservation and community groups, works to create a community where ecosystem health is important, nature and healthy wild animal populations have value, and where visitors, children and future generations can all drink clean water, breathe clean air, and find wild places to roam.

This year’s festival is being held in conjunction with Tucson Audubon Society’s first annual Bird & Wildlife Festival. Visitors from all over the world will be converging on Tucson for a week of birding and wildlife-related activities and the Coalition is excited to share the film festival as one of the featured evening programs.

The film festival offers an opportunity to entertain and engage the community while supporting the on-going work of the Coalition. Special thanks go out to local event sponsors Summit Hut and Betts Printing, the event’s major national sponsor Patagonia, as well as other local and national sponsors.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Wednesday, August 17th - 6:30pm

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona

Tickets: $8 in advance at Summit Hut, Antigone Books, and the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop / $10 at the door and online at www.sonorandesert.org For more information contact Gabe Wigtil, gabe.wigtil@sonorandesert.org, 520-388-9925 or visit http://www.sonorandesert.org/ .

Understanding PV

Ed Eaton will be presenting a workshop on solar electric systems.  This workshop is designed to provide the attendee with an in depth overview of photovoltaic system design and installation. The workshop is presented to help homeowner builders, architects, green home builders, government employees, NGO workers and especially those interested in “off-grid” solar systems. National Forest, BLM and all park service employees working or specifying solar systems should attend. More information can be found at http://solarenergyclasses.com.

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 way to go, but in some cases, the conventional options may be more financially feasible.  This all depends on your water consumption, how many people live in your home and your current method of hot water generation, whether it’s an electric or gas water heater.  We based our calculations on the following water use patterns: the typical American two-person household will use approximately 40+ gallons of hot water a day.  A three-person household will use approximately 55+ gallons of hot water a day.

Things to take into consideration: These are numbers based on the usage patterns of standard Americans.  Also, they assume constant natural gas and electricity prices: it is important to note that these prices are likely to go up.  Experts assume electricity prices will increase on average 2% a year, which will increase the return on investment (ROI) significantly.  The same is true of natural gas prices.  When looking at the long term investment, it is important to take these trends into consideration.

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 seen the local industry expand from around 17 solar companies in 2007 to more than 100 today. As the industry expands, consumers are increasingly at risk of poor installations, shoddy workmanship, and unsavory business practices.  This rapid growth has sometimes made it difficult for consumers to know which businesses are qualified to properly install solar energy systems.

Who? Enter SASSB: a 501(c)3,  locally grown out of a solar installers’ “best practices” group, and later adopted as a program of Pima Association of Governments.  SASSB is working to strengthen the local solar industry in two ways.  First, by increasing the level of installation quality through the creation of industry standards, and second by informing and educating consumers so they not only pick the right installer, but the right system for their particular needs.

How? SASSB has developed standards for professionals installing photovoltaic or solar hot water systems.  Companies are eligible for membership and accreditation contingent on meeting the core requirements and agreeing to adhere to industry best practices as they are defined by SASSB. Standards include:

• Having at least one full-time employee certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
• Being in business for at least two years and having completed at least 10 utility-verified solar system installations
• Being in good standing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors
• Being deemed an "approved installer" with applicable utility companies
• Being properly licensed through all applicable southern Arizona entities
• Offering customers a 10-year workmanship warranty and data monitoring for all systems

Consumers interested in solar are able to choose from a list of SASSB accredited installers, thereby adding some peace of mind to the selection process.  SASSB has also published a list of Buyer Tips & Steps for the Consumer as well as a Useful Definitions page on their website.

To find out more about SASSB’s mission and local accredited installers visit http://www.solarstandards.org/

Bisbee Solar Cook-Off

Stop by the Bisbee Farmers Market on Saturday, June 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to find out how to cook with the sun and what else the sun can do for you.  There will be a free half hour mini class in Solar Cooking 101 at 10 a.m. and a solar potluck at noon.   Show off your solar cooking skills or just get started cooking with the sun with sun ovens, solar cookbooks and solar cookware for sale.  The Solar Cook-Off will also feature information on solar electricity, hot water, pumps and cooling.  Come and listen to lively music to get your toes a’tappin’ by San and Lauren Jones, fiddle and guitar sensations accompanied on drums by Darrin Wood.  You can also enjoy home-style food, Mexican cooking, and baked goods at the shady outdoor café.  Bring a cooler to shop for fresh local produce and grass-fed meats, as well as honey, pickles and jellies, desert plants, herbal remedies and lots of unique handmade arts and crafts. The Solar Cook-Off is coordinated by Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture. For more information: (520) 678-8577 and valerie.mccaffrey@bajaaz.org. Directions: From Bisbee’s only traffic circle take the Bisbee Rd. exit to Vista Park opposite Warren Ball Park.

Urban Farming pt. 2 - How to Grow Food at Home in Tucson

Nothing beats walking right out your back door to pick that fresh organic tomato off the vine- but how do you grow it in Tucson? On June 25th, learn the basics of soil, sun, water, planting, and harvesting during this discussion around the technical aspects of desert gardening with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jenna Rhea.  Meet them at the Main Joel Valdez library from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.

Intro to Urban Farming

How does the way we grow food affect our health, economy, and society? Discuss the benefits of growing your own food, even in the Sonoran desert, and learn the basics of soil, sun, water, planting, and harvesting during this discussion around the technical aspects of desert gardening with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jenna Rhea.  Join the discussion on June 23rd, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the Martha Cooper Library.