Pusch Ridge Residence

"Being an architect, we have tried countless times over the years to find affordable systems that have a break even point that makes sense. For years, photovoltaic systems were not fitting the bill. Now with the leasing programs, payback for my clients homes as well as mine is less than five years which is outstanding." This homeowner and architect was excited about solar when it reached a financial turn back point that made sense for him.  When asked what the best part of his system was, he replied it's "Saving us money!"  Other than solar, this homeowner has a geo-thermal heating system at his home.

Swiatek-Haswell Residence

These homeowners choose to install a solar hot water heating system because their existing conventional water heater was failing and needed to be replaced.  They ultimately decided to go solar so that they could have a new system that was both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.  According to them, the best part of the system is "knowing that we use almost no resources to hear our water - and of course the low operational cost."

Limberlost Neighborhood Residence

For this homeowner, going solar was necessary "for both environmental and economic reasons – PV has become efficient enough to create more energy than it takes to manufacture it; it’s cleaner to use than most forms; and the tax incentives help to make the dollar payback time reasonable."  In order to save the environment they employ solar hot water as well as solar electricity and often choose to bike to save miles on driving- when they have to drive, they use their hybrid vehicle. "Solar power is the way to go in Southern Arizona.  We wish more people were putting it on their roofs."

Green Valley Residence

These homeowners decided to go solar for a couple different reasons.  "It is our intent to reside in our home for many years to come.  As such, our investment in the system, combined with the percentage of sunny days in our location made for a wise economical decision.  Most importantly, our choice is a minor contribution towards a green planet for future generations." "Solar power is a sound investment which provides a positive contribution for future generations."

Wieneke-Jimenez Residence

This family is happy with their solar panels: next, they plan to practice rainwater harvesting at their home.  Their favorite part of they system is the SunPower data monitoring: "I love the Internet access to view the energy consumption versus solar energy generated.  Very motivational!"

Mountain Neighborhood Residence

The family loves getting their power from the sun!  They decided to make the switch to solar for both money and environmental concerns.

Catalina Residence

This homeowner, a self proclaimed "desert and environment advocate" decided to install solar in order to benefit the environment and the planet and also to use sustainable energy.  Her favorite part of the new system is that it allows her to take action in the above.  She already uses a basic rainwater harvesting system and has been a recycler and gardener for many years.  To her, solar power is "a resource that is critically important for more and more of us, individuals and businesses, to utilize.

Sahuarita Residence

This family felt that making the switch to solar was very natural.  One of their favorite things about their new system is being able to see the exact production of the solar panels and also the electrical consumption of the house, through data monitoring. "Solar power is the future, today."

Rillito River Residence

This family chose to install solar with the environment in mind.  Transitioning away from their dependance on fossil fuels was the most important reason behind going solar.  They were also excited about lowering their electricity costs. Now that they have solar, this family can rest assured that they have significantly reduced their fossil fuel use.  In the future, they hope to use even less by switching to a solar hot water heater. “Solar power is clean and will help us to transition from fossil fuels so future generations can live sustainably."

Crawford Residence

"When we decided that it was time to stop renting and purchase a house, we knew we were going to be in the same place for at least 10-15 years at the minimum.  Once we had determined that, getting a PV system installed became one of our first priorities for the economic benefits of long term ownership, but more importantly, so that that we can leave this home (and its impact on the environment) better than when we had found it.  Taking care of the environment requires everyone to do their part, and this is a great first step for us. "One of the best things about the system is knowing that I have taken one of the biggest environmental steps I could take.  Energy use is quickly becoming the single biggest expense to people and largest damager to nature.  I’m now doing my part to curb both of those situations."

When asked if they used any other renewable energy technologies, they said "Not yet, but we intend to.  Our future plans include a grey water irrigation system, water reclamation, and (if we have the room for it still) a solar water heater.  If we can’t do solar water, then converting to an electric tankless system would be in place and we also intend for our next vehicle purchase to be a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle.

Solar power is simply the only option anyone in southern Arizona should be thinking about.  With all the incentives from the local, state, and federal level with regards to solar, there simply is no reason why any homeowner shouldn’t be looking into solar power for their homes.  Solar power is one of the biggest ways we can leave the world a better place."

- Jeremy and Emily

Caldwell Residence

The Caldwell family had been talking about solar for a while, and after receiving a glowing recommendation from a friend, they decided to make the switch to renewable solar energy.  Their solar panels allow the family to go green, reduce their carbon footprint and give them bragging rights!  According to the Caldwells, "Solar power is the way to go!  Why not utilize a natural resource here in Arizona.  [It] doesn't make sense not to do it!"

Casey Residence

After researching solar companies and different solar panel options for their home, the Caseys came to a decision: "TFS and Sunpower were a clearly best choice. The commitment to a green environment, thoughtful engineering, the responsiveness of the staff, attention to detail, and the overall price and the warranties were above and beyond local and Phoenix based competitors." They are extremely happy with their system, which "is performing way beyond our expectations" and they especially like the data monitoring feature which allows them to easily track their solar panel's performance.  It also shows the family how much impact they are having on the environment.  Check out for yourself how they have reduced their emissions and carbon footprint by following the link to the right.

The Caseys say "solar power is simply wonderful for both the environment and our pocketbook. We could not be happier if we tried."

East Side Residence

These homeowners chose to install solar modules on their roof for both environmental and financial reasons.  Not only does the solar save the planet by offsetting over 1,000 lbs of CO2 each month, but it gives them lower electricity bills in the process.  Solar also gives this family the opportunity to talk with their neighbors and show off their system via their data monitoring system.  Check out their usage by clicking on the link to the right.  According to them, "Solar power is the direct extension of the sun."

Green Valley Residence

For this homeowner, solar was a no-brainer: "Solar power is the only way to go."  For them, getting solar "was a completely enjoyable experience.  All [TFS] personell were professional, polite and pleasant at all times.  Work was done quickly and efficiently."  They are especially pleased with their system since it "works beautifully and saves money."

Oro Valley Residence

This homeowner chose to install photovoltaic (PV) solar on his roof in order to decrease his oil and fossil fuel consumption. He gave a nice recommendation of TFS: "they cleanly explained the solar system and then, when we decided to go ahead, they were efficient and did a great job." According to this homeowner, the best part of the solar system is that they are now using power that does not come from oil.

Gascho Residence

The Gascho family installed photovoltaic solar panels because they simply wanted to use the sun to make their electricity.  They think that Tucson should see more solar installations every day.  According to them, "Solar power is a big part of the answers to our energy problem!"

Kimball Residence

The Kimball family chose to install solar on their home because of the great financial savings they would receive and because the solar benefits the home by raising the resale value of the house.  The best features of the system are "the money I'm saving and the positive impact on the environment."  Solar isn't the only way this family is saving the environment; in order to reduce the amount of electricity they use, the family switched from conventional light bulbs to energy saving ones, reducing their impact even further.  According to the homeowner, "Solar is a great addition to my home and a wonderful asset to my community."

Rees Residence

After seeing many of his friends go solar, this home owner decided to make the switch to solar electricity and was excited to have the chance to put it on his home.  He believes "solar is an exciting technology that will continue to grow."  Check out the data monitoring link to see how much electricity the system is producing right now and to see how much the home is using.

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 and they found a lease option that worked for them: "the leasing cost makes the system completely affordable."  They are really excited about all the different aspects of their system, but "the most exciting thing for us is watching the meter run backwards.  It's always wonderful knowing that we are generating more than we are consuming."  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 runnoff from their roof.  They are also on track for getting their hot water from the sun, too.  

East Tucson Residence

This homeowner chose to install a photovoltaic (PV) solar system on the roof of her home in order to reduce her environmental impact.  Energy effeciency is also important to her, and with her new data monitoring and consumption monitoring, she can easily track her solar system's production as well as her own electricity usage.  Through SunPower system monitoring, she can check on her production remotely and easily via the internet and an app on her phone.  For this avid recycler and now solar electricity user, protecting the environment was key.  "Solar is a smart thing to do in sunny Arizona."