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Case Studies
This homeowner chose to go solar in order to reap both the financial and environmental benefits. Their favorite part of the new system is the electricity generation and the monitoring capabilities. With the SunPower data monitoring, they can see remotely and easily how much electricity their system is producing in real time and they can also track changes in production from year-to-year and day-to-day. This home also uses solar hot water.
The Repps chose to install solar on their roof because of the long term energy and financial savings it would offer them. They were also interested in the sustainability concerns of getting their electricity from coal - now their system saves on average 1,400 lbs of coal from being burned to produce the electricity for their home each month. For this family, the best part of the system is the financial savings on electricity they are getting each month. Now, instead of paying the electricity bill, their monthly savings are going straight into their daughter's college fund.
This family chose to go solar because they "live in Tucson!" Also, the SunPower lease allowed them to install a system with a single up-front payment and no future monthly payments. Their favorite part of the new solar panels is simply "that (TFS) made it happen for us, and we never thought we could (go solar)." The family has long been dedicated to sustainability and in addition to their solar power, they also have a cistern which allows them to harvest rainwater.
These homeowners chose to go solar because they wanted to save energy, fossil fuels and to reduce their carbon footprint. In their neighborhood, many other homes have gone solar, making it an easy decision for the Afeks. Their favorite part of the system is being able to track how quickly they are saving energy and reducing their carbon output using their datamonitoring system. To see their system's production today, check out their data monitoring link above.
These homeowners chose to make the switch to clean solar electricity in order to reduce their fossil fuel consumption and also to reduce their electricity bills. Now that they are 100% solar, their average electricity bill is just $8 dollars!
The motivation to have a solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical system installed on their roof was mostly financial for these homeowners. Facing escalating electricity bills, they chose to go solar which saves them on average $90.00 a month, or a total of $1,080 in the first year. Now they are saving money, especially in the summer when their electricity bill would have gone up to accomedate their air conditioning unit, but now stays at $8.00 a month!
For these homeowners, going solar was an important step financially and for the environment. "We have been considering this for a very long time and watching the pricing of systems. The incentives and cost finally reached a point where the payback was reasonable. We also wanted to do our part to preserve the environment and mitigate environmental damage." Their favorite part of the photovoltaic system is the data monitoring, which allows them to remotely check on their system's performance and has a special feature accessible by their smart phones. "I like being able to tell others about the system and the ability to show them the usage graph on my phone." These homeowners are also using other energy and environment saving techniques. Throughout the winter the family opens their south-facing blinds to encourage passive heating, while closing them in the summer to reduce the heat absorbed by the home. They also harvest rainwater.
These homeowners had TFS install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on their roof to help offset their electricity bill. For them, going solar was a "good idea to save money." Their favorite thing about the system is the data monitoring feature which allows them to remotely view the production of their system. Even while on vacation, they can check on their solar energy and see how much is being produced at any point in the day. The data monitoring also allows them to monitor solar trends and easily compare the production from one day, month or year to another.
This happy lease customer is thrilled with his solar system. "TFS is an absolutely first rate company made up of dedicated individuals who care about sustainability and take pride in the craftsmanship of their work. They did a great job on the solar installation at my house and expedited the whole process of permitting, inspection, and installation. TFS has an excellent reputation with city and utility inspectors based on the consistent quality of their workmanship and previous track record. I would not hesitate to whole-heartedly recommend TFS as the installer of choice for anyone contemplating installation of a solar system at their home or business." The best part of their new system is generating power from the sun! "Replacing centrally produced electricity with a locally produced clean source of energy and saving money on utility bills is a definite win/win!"
This family chose to install solar photovoltaic panels to become more green. They appreciated that everyone in the TFS office, field crew and outside contractors did their best to make sure the family was satisfied. They feel that the best part of their new system is the data monitoring component which allows them to check their system's production from work and anywhere with an Internet connection. "Solar power is smart energy."
This family chose to install solar panels on their roof "because it is simply the right thing to do." They think the TFS crew are nice, competent folk and think that the best thing about their system is that it works! At their home, this family also has 4,000 gallons of stored water and solar fans to ventilate their attic. "Solar power is cool!"
The Bornstein Family feels very strongly that going solar is the right choice for them. "We have always believed that solar technology is vastly underused in the Tucson community. It is unlikely that we will remain in the house long enough for the system to pay for itself, but we feel strongly that installing it is simply the right thing to do." Using electricity from the sun has allowed them to be less dependant on "less conscientious energy sources," and lets them feel great about doing so. Working with TFS, the Bornsteins enjoyed "top notch professionalism [and a] friendly, respectful and accommodating staff. We really enjoyed picking those knowledgeable brains - we learned so much!" In order to continue their green streak, they are planning on purchasing a hybrid car later this year.
At first the Fernandez family thought they couldn't afford solar panels on their roof, but by exchanging their TEP bill for an Eco loan, they were able to fit it into their monthly budget. For this family, teaching their children by example how to use the natural resources available was very important, and so going solar "just made sense." The family decided to have TFS install their system after meeting with many different solar companies and ultimately made their decision because TFS "definitely stands out as a company who truly cares about the environment. It is clearly not just a business, but a mission for you guys." With the addition of solar on their roof, this family has started to make changes in their electricity and resource usage patterns by being more conscientious about turning off lights and by installing timers to limit shower time. "We are a family who is trying to make a difference."
This Tucson family decided to have solar photovoltaic panels installed on their roof for environmental and sustainability reasons. They enjoyed working with the friendly TFS installers and appreciated the good communication they held with the front office. According to the family, one of the best parts about the system is that it allows them to save drastically on their electricity bill. In fact, this home derives 95% of its electricity from the solar panels, and they get credit from TEP for any excess power they produce.
This family decided to install a ground mounted solar array to cover the costs of an all-electric home. They also employ rainwater harvesting on their property and think that "solar power is the way to go."
This family from Vail, Arizona decided to install a solar hot water system because they had been thinking 'green' and this was the next step. They enjoyed working with the knowledgeable TFS staff and like their system because it is clean and the entire installation process was enjoyable. According to the residence, "Solar power is us..... We love it!"
This southern Arizonan family chose to install a PV solar system because they wanted to go green.
This family decided to install a photovoltaic electric solar system and a solar hot water collector and heater in order to take advantage of all the sun energy available in Tucson. They enjoyed working with TFS because all the personnel were "bright, creative and meticulous." Both the solar hot water and solar electric systems that the family had installed help them stay on the leading edge of smart energy and reduce their dependence on foreign and fossil fuels.
The Green family had their solar electric photovoltaic panels installed for the guilt-free electricity and to save money. They were excited to work with TFS because we are "community based and has goals that go beyond profit." They also have passive water harvesting and use the greywater from their laundry to water their plants.
This family chose to install an electric solar system in order to save on their electricity bill and to create a more sustainable lifestyle. "It's something I have dreamed about for a long time," says the homeowner. They enjoyed working with TFS because of "the nice group of people" who were easy to talk to, flexible and met all the promised deadlines. This household also employs a solar hot water heater and they drive a hybrid car.
