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.

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."

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."

Vail Residence

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!"

West Tucson Residence

This homeowner chose to install a solar hot water system to save money and to "find a green solution."  They enjoyed working with TFS because all the people were great, easy to talk to, flexible and really interested in their satisfaction.  This family is dedicated to 'going green' and also have a solar photovoltaic (electric) system and a hybrid car.

West Tucson Residence

"Our conventional water heater was old enough that it may have soon needed to be replaced on an urgent or emergent basis.  For the good of humanity and of the earth, we prefer to use more sustainable energy sources whenever reasonably possible."  For this family, the best part of their new system is the reliability of the hot water.  They loved working with TFS because of the staff's attitude, enthusiasm and integrity.  "Just meeting some of the people who work for TFS gives me hope in the future of humanity."

Lakeside Ridge Loop Residence

This residence wanted to go solar because they believe it's the smart and sustainable choice. They are pleased to be able to use the sun's renewable energy for their newly installed solar hot water system. They are happy to take advantage of the many sunny days that occur  here in Tucson. Throughout the installation process, this family was happy to receive full explanations to all of their questions. They are thankful for the "courteous, professional, and patient" employees at TFS, and their new "extremely well working" solar hot water system.

Cook Residence

This homeowner was excited to install solar hot water on her roof because they've "gotta go green!"  They loved the friendly TFS staff and even went so far as to say that working with Technicians for Sustainability is like working with family.  The Cooks think that the best thing about the system is the money savings that they saw right away and the feeling they get from using the sun.  They also use solar coils to heat their pool.

El Encanto Residence

For this family, installing a hot water system was the right thing to do.  Their goal in installing the system was to reduce their fossil fuel dependence in order to preserve resources for the next generation.  According to these homeowners, the best thing about their new hot water system is that “the water is hot, hot, hot and it’s all from the sun.”  These El Encanto residents practice what they preach in other ways by getting their electricity from solar photovoltaic panels, by employing rainwater harvesting, and by driving a hybrid car.