North Residence

"We had been investigating [solar] for several years as a way to reduce our monthly expenses and move toward a smaller footprint on the planet."  The North Family chose to make the jump to solar when they realized the 2011 incentives offered such a great financial return.  They are really excited about all the different aspects of their system, but "the most exciting thing for us is the system's transparency. No hassle management, and consistent supply of solar-heated water."  Since aesthetics were very important to this family, "we are fortunate that the design of our house makes the system all but completely invisible."  The Norths also employ rainwater harvesting on their property which allows them to water their plants by storing rain run off from their roof.  They also get their electricity from the sun.

Colonia de Valle Residence

This homeowner chose to install a solar electricity system on their roof because "it was the right thing to do and a better place to put my money instead of a CD in the bank.  As a retired inspector in the construction industry I found these people [TFS] to be the most professional I had observed in over 21 years of electrical inspection experience (no kidding).  Solar power is truly a God send and we really do get our power from the SON / SUN."

Reid Park Residence

This homeowner decided to make the switch to solar power for environmental reasons.  They are overall very interested in sustainability and they "like knowing that we are generating energy from the sun and saving carbon dioxide."  The family also employs water conservation: "we have a 1,000-gallon rainwater cistern, four 50-gallon rain barrels, a tankless hot water heater, water-conserving earthworks and are soon getting a curb cutout."  For them, "Solar power is the wave of the future, we hope!"

Shadow Hills Residence

Why did this homeowner choose to install solar electricity?  "To decrease our electric bill and make a difference for the environment.  Solar power is a no-brainer; good for the environment and our pocket."

Midtown Tucson Residence

This homeowner chose to install solar electricity at his home in order to reduce his carbon emissions, reduce his TEP bill and in general to be more sensitive to energy use.  The solar array at this home was installed on the main house, guest house and on the carport.  The house also has an extensive rainwater harvesting system.  According to the family, "Solar power is our future."

Downing Residence

This family decided to install both solar hot water and solar electricity at their home in order to get all of their power from the sun.  Their ultimate goal was to make a difference for the environment and in the future they also want to use their panels to power an electric car in order to reduce their impact even more.  When asked about their favorite part of they system, the homeowner said "I feel better about my energy use.  I'm doing what I can for the planet."

Torres Residence

"Two reasons drove our decision to install a PV system; Cost and carbon foot print.  The leasing options provide a more affordable way of obtaining a PV system. This allows us to reduce our monthly electric costs. Notwithstanding is a need to be environmental friendly and our effort to reduce our carbon foot print by harvesting energy from the sun.  The leasing option is GREAT financial option, not to mention the reduced electric cost.  I also enjoy the net metering function and the ability to track our electric consumption and solar power production."  Besides being excited about their new solar system, this family also tries to be as sustainable as possible by driving a Prius.

Fragoso Residence

The motivation behind going solar for this homeowner was twofold.  First, they were excited to realize future savings on their electric bill.  Secondly, they believe that solar will help out the planet.  For them, solar power is "free and clean!"

West Valencia Residence

This family decided to go solar in order to contribute to environmental sustainability and lower their electric bill.  They also practice sustainability with a rainwater catchment system.

Thornydale Terrace Residence

This homeowner decided to go solar because she "wanted to live green, and TFS had by far the best system and price."  This home already has a solar hot water heater and the family believes "solar power is the only feasible option for an all electric home in the Southern Arizona desert."

Rincon Ranch Residence

This homeowner was motivated by long term economic benefit to make the switch to solar.  “Solar power is derived from gravitational confined thermonuclear fusion photons converted to electric current by the photoelectric effect and is the key to life on earth provided by God our creator.”

Broderick Residence

These homeowners received a shock when they moved to Tucson from California and were suddenly faced with electricity bills much larger tahn their previous $60.00 a month.  They decided they needed to look for ways to reduce their electricity bill and so "We started reviewing solar providers and systems in March, a couple of weeks after we moved into the house.  We actually signed the lease agreement on May 1.  TFS had the panels installed and the final City inspection completed on July 10." Solar is just the first step for this family.  They use their data monitoring system,  which records how much electricity they produce and also how much they consume everyday.  With this tool they are looking for other way to reduce their electricity usage: they learned that the pool pump was one of the largest users of electricity and so they are now reviewing purchasing an new pump.  In addition, this home uses CFL and LED lights to reduce electricity consumption.

Los Cerros de Kino Residence

This homeowner's motivations behind going solar were two-fold.  First, solar is acting as an upfront investment against future increased energy cost, and secondly, it benefits the environment.  They believe that solar power is "currently the obvious solution to oil dependency and pollution."

Santa Cruz Residence

"I wanted to do my part to stop global warming and to harness the power of the future. To save money on electricity bills is an added bonus."  This homeowner is passionate about their solar and thinks the best part is they are now able to monitor how much electricity they use and produce in an given hour.   “Solar power is the future.  We as a global community need to take the initiative to save our planet and use the awesome power source that is available to us.  We owe that to our children."

Sahuarita Residence

For this homeowner, going solar was a simple decision: "I live where it is sunny almost every day, why not use what God gave us for electricity?  Solar power is God's way of supplying electricity for me and my family!"

Green Valley Residence

"We were looking to lessen our impact on the environment – decrease our carbon footprint, if you will – and make use of the extraordinary number of sunny days here in Southern Arizona.  I love how low-impact the power generation is, and the fantastic tools available for me to use in order to pay attention to how my system is operating (and how I can tweak my usage to make the most of my generation)."  This homeowner currently does not have any other renewable technologies in place at their home, but they intend to install solar hot water soon. “Solar power is a no brainer in Southern Arizona."

Dobbyn Residence

This homeowner chose to install solar power in order to realize long term financial savings.  The secondary motivation was environmental: their solar system is their "gift to the earth."  The best thing about their new system is "just knowing we're contributing fewer pollutants to the environment - it's a pretty good feeling."  This home also employs passive rainwater harvesting.

Catalina Vista Residence

This homeowner decided to go solar in order to decrease her carbon footprint.  According to her, "Solar power is lighting the way forward."

Limberlost Residence

This homeowner had strong environmental reasons for going solar.  While she believes in getting her power from the sun, she did not want to see her power coming from utility scale solar out in the desert.  In order to preserve the desert and the environment on a whole, she decided to take the leap herself.  "I liked that 5 guys arrived in one truck, and I liked it even better when Justin arrived by bicycle pulling a trailer loaded with equipment.  You guys definitely walk the talk."  The best part of the new system: "guilt free, maintenance free and paid for."  This homeowner also harvests water on her property for landscape and irrigation.

Casas Adobe Residence

For this homeowner, solar suddenly became an option when they discovered the different leasing opportunities.  This customer was very happy with the installation itself, saying there was "no hassle during any phase of the job.  [TFS was] easy to work with and make changes prior to final drawings.  All personnel seemed easy to work with and knowledgeable on the specific job.  I was not in a hurry to have the job done, but it seemed to be a reasonable start to finish time frame."  Currently, they employ no other renewable technologies, but they plan on implementing water harvesting at their home.