St. Monica's Solar Install: Part 2

St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Parish’s solar electric system has been installed and their green remodel is finished! The 5kW donated system will produce 765 kWh of clean electricity for the church each month, and will help to reduce their electric bills by about $900 every year. On March 18th TFS got back on the roof to finish installing the solar grant system. The installation happened in two parts. First we installed standoffs, setting the groundwork for eventually installing the system. Then, roofers came in to install new foam sealant and insulation. Now, the roof has an additional 6 inches of insulation to help keep the building cool.

After the roof work was complete we were ready to get on the roof again. We built racking, mounted modules, hooked everything up and installed the inverters downstairs. The last step was to have the City of Tucson inspect the system, which passed on April 1st. Check out the pictures below to learn more about the building of the racking and the module installation process.

St. Monica’s Church- TFS’s 2012 Solar Grant Recipient!

St. Monica’s Solar Install: Part 1

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TFS on Arizona Illustrated

Arizona Illustrated recently did a series of articles on solar in Tucson.  They spoke with Hank Krzysik, architect and parishioner at Our Mother of Sorrows , Kevin Koch of Technicians for Sustainability and a number of houses of worship that have decided to install solar to provide for their electricity.  The series looks into environmental stewardship and the opportunities for non-profit organizations to go solar. Our Mother of Sorrows Goes Solar, Story by Kirstin Kirner

Don't Call It Sun Worship, Story by Tony Paniagua

Solar Wanes in AZ With Fewer Incentives, Story by Tony Paniagua

TFS on Downtown Low Down

Danielle was invited to speak on KXCI Community Radio to discuss our 2013 Open House that took place on Feb. 28th. KXCI Community Radio

St. Monica's Solar Install: Part 1

Last week the TFS solar technicians were up on the roof of St Monica’s Church, beginning to install their new solar electric system.  St. Monica’s, which was the 2012 recipient of the TFS Solar Grant, is undergoing significant remodeling of the interior, exterior and roof of the building.  We’ve been working with the primary architect on the project to help streamline the process of installing solar so that the install and roof renovation can be expedited. First, solar technicians, Karl and Jenner got up on the roof and measured where the system will be placed.  The array will sit on the north side of the slightly pitched roof while still facing south in order to avoid some shading from nearby trees and telephone poles.

Next they installed the standoffs, which affix the solar to the roof.  These standoffs, which are 7 inches tall, are screwed into the roof and then sealed.  After the standoffs are installed, a roofing company will add a three inch foam sealant to roof (leaving 4 inches of standoffs rising above the foam) for insulation and roof protection.

System Facts: -          System size:  5 kW -          Monthly Production:  765 kWh -          Panels:  20 LG 255 Watt Modules

In a couple of weeks , TFS technicians will return to St. Monica’s to finish installing the flashings (an added layer to protect against leaks) and build the frame the solar panels will rest on.  We’ll keep you posted!

You can read more about St. Monica’s, our 2012 grant recipient at our first blog entry, here.

The church is half way through a significant remodel - here the outer walls have been insulated and stuccoed.	Dust flies as the interior of St. Monica's Church is being remodeled.	Jenner climbs to the roof.	This Solar Tube helps bring more natural light into the church below, therefore reducing the need to turn on the lights.
Karl checks the plans to make sure they are followed to a "t"	Karl and Jenner measure the roof and lay a chalk line so they know where the array will be.	Using a hammer, Karl will hear where the beam of the roof is so that he knows where to lay the screws.	The line is layered with chalk, and when placed on the roof will leave a straight guiding line.
Jenner carefully measures the distance between standoffs.	The standoffs are placed less than 5 feet apart on the roof and will support the weight of the panels.	The first standoff is screwed and sealed in place.	Using a small and long drill bit, we drill into the roof.
After the holes have been drilled we add sealant to the holes as the first step to prevent leaking.	The standoff is lined up over the drilled and sealed holes.	While the sealant is still wet, screws bolt the standoff in place.	When the first two standoffs are placed at either side of the chalk line, we add a second line to ensure each additional standoff is installed along the same line.

St. Monica's Church- TFS's 2012 Solar Grant Recipient!

Technicians for Sustainability (TFS) has long been concerned about the environment and the community.  It is our belief that to help one is to help the other, and in our line of work, we are happy to be able to do just that.  By installing solar hot water and solar electricity across Tucson, we are partnering with our customers, both home and business owners, to make the changes we think are critical to helping our environment  and our community.  As a testament to this commitment, TFS has offered a solar grant to Tucson nonprofits for the last few years. Each year TFS has invited nonprofits that qualify as 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for our solar grant.  Since the program’s inception in 2008, TFS has been able to offer a variety of grants, both full and matching for many different organizations across the Tucson area.  Giving a solar energy system, either solar electric (photovoltaic) or solar hot water, allows us to give back to our community by helping organizations reduce their energy bills, which allows them to redirect those funds towards their community-supporting missions.

We look for organizations that share our dedication to community and the environment even if they are not directly involved in environmental issues and who have already started on the road toward making their premises more eco-friendly.   Awarded in 2008, our first grant recipient was Arts for All, which provides accessible art education, training and experiences to children and adults with and without special needs in central Tucson.  This nonprofit exercises recycling and bring your own bag programs to reduce landfill waste and also replaced high water use plants with a native landscape.  Since then, we have been able to donate solar energy systems to Southside Presbyterian Church, KXCI Community Radio, Native Seeds SEARCH, Casa Maria Food Kitchen and Amity Foundation.

Our latest recipient is St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Parish.  Located in the East Tucson area, St. Monica’s was founded in 1964, and boasts approximately 3,000 members.  TFS was impressed by their commitment to a green remodel that is already dramatically reducing their energy consumption, making them more energy efficient.  Specifically, the church is replacing an entire wall of single paned windows, which are notorious for being poor insulators, with better insulation.  The money saved from the solar system for St. Monica’s will allow the church to make more energy efficiency adjustments, save more money and provide better care to their congregation and community.

The grant was awarded at the beginning of June, 2012 and will be installed at the church later this year.  We will keep you informed of the process through a real-time blog, complete with pictures of the installation, interviews with different church members and culminating in a blessing ceremony for St. Monica’s new solar system.  Check back to learn more about St. Monica’s solar!

Read about the installation process here.

New Southwest Gas Solar Hot Water Incentive

Tucson Electric Power (TEP) has been offering incentives to switch to solar hot water for several years and now Southwest Gas is offering their own incentive.  The new Southwest Gas rebate has limited funding, and is a great deal.  If you need an excuse to save the environment and reduce your monthly expenses, then check it out now, before it’s gone. Homeowners can take advantage of the rebate which offers $15/rated therm, up to 50% of the total cost. This rebate works best under the following conditions:  current Southwest Gas customers with more than four people in the home, and/or large hot water usage, with room next to the current gas water heater for a second storage tank (25 square inches).  If you fall into this category then solar hot water may be a great, financially savvy option for your home.

The system works by keeping the existing gas water heater and adding an additional solar hot water storage tank.  Water will be taken out of the solar tank first, and when it is exhausted the gas heater will take over.  Each day as the sun rises, the hot water in the solar tank will be replenished and the gas tank will stand in as the backup.  Using this system, home owners can save up to 70% on their hot water energy consumption.

A solar water heater will help you reduce your impact on the environment while allowing you to save money at the same time.  Not only will the system provide hot water without consuming as many resources as a traditional hot water tank, but you will also be protected from escalating fuel costs since sunshine is free and abundant!

Learn more about the Southwest Gas rebate here.

St Francis in the Foothills Honors Nature with Solar

Tucson, AZ- June 25th, 2012- St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church is proud to announce the adoption of solar electricity that now powers their facility, including the church itself and the adjacent International School for Peace preschool.  Their main motivation to install solar power on the church was to uphold their vision statement, which is “to inspire and guide each other to an awakened life by engaging with each other, our community, the Earth and the Divine.” According to Mari Sorri, the Chair of Trustees at St. Francis, the vision statement and the new solar system “reflect in part our deep commitment to the Earth.”  Sustainability is built into their practice as “we believe that the Earth and Nature is a sacred text, like the Bible and other inspired texts.” St. Francis will be celebrating their newest commitment to God and the environment on July 1st with a blessing ceremony for their solar panels.

Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, of the Desert Southwest Conference of The United Methodist Church, commended St. Francis, saying, “The use of solar panels to provide nearly all of the church's electrical needs demonstrates true care of God's creation, not to mention a great financial savings for years to come! I am thrilled with the outstanding example that St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church has given all of us.”

St. Francis in the Foothills has long been devoted to sustainable practices.  Not only do they have recycling programs and use efficient appliances, but the campus also practices water harvesting for use in irrigating their predominately native plants landscape.  They also recently installed two Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations through the Federal Government's stimulus program.  These will pull their power from the solar panels, giving EV owners clean electricity and transportation.

St. Francis's solar system is unique because of the beautiful design of the bifacial solar panels that are used to frame the church's entrance.  The panels allow light to filter through the shade structure, and also collect light and energy from both sides.  By using these modules on the canopy, the church is making a statement:  solar is not only useful, it is also beautiful.

Installed by Technicians for Sustainability (TFS), the solar system consists of arrays on many of the Church's complex of buildings, and also a shade canopy across the entrance to the church.  192 high-efficiency SunPower modules are arranged on the roof while 60 Sanyo bifacial panels take center stage on the canopy at the church entrance.  The 70kW system will provide 77% of the facility's electricity, producing approximately 10,500 kWh each month.

The solar system will allow the church to reduce its impacts on the Earth by keeping 25,000 lbs of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere each month, over 11,000 lbs of coal from being burned and over 5,500 gallons of water being consumed (for electricity production) each month.  Solar is also helping the church save money: over the course of 20 years, the church will see a cumulative savings of $238,000.

About St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church

St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church is committed “to inspire and guide each other to an awakened life by engaging with each other, our community, the Earth and the Divine.”  They are a Reconciling Congregation, intent on building a community which takes seriously the effort to wed the deepest intention of our faith with the widest dimension of our world.  For more information visit www.stfrancisumc.org

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, solar hot water heating, and water harvesting.  TFS has installed over a megawatt of solar power in southern Arizona.  For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit tfssolar.com

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Tucson Church Saves with Solar

Tucson, AZ- April 17, 2012- St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church is celebrating the completion of their solar power system. Installed on three covered parking structures, this project was made possible by a generous gift from dedicated parishioner Dr. Donna Cosulich. The solar system allows the church to save money and make a public statement about their commitment to being responsible stewards of the world. It will serve as an example to the parishioners that protecting the environment is simple, practical and cost effective.

St. Philip's dedication to solar power and the environment is not a new commitment. The St. Philip's Green Team has been investigating and enacting ways for the church to 'green' their image since 2005. The Green Team was founded by Dr. Cosulich who passed away this January after seeing solar become a reality for St. Philip’s. The Green Team’s goal is to “explore the wonder of our world, addressing our roles as citizens and people of faith as we wrestle with potential global climate change." In addition to supporting the new solar system, the Green Team sponsors educational forums on environmental topics, publishes a "green tips" brochure and has many other programs designed to bring attention to ways parishioners can make small changes to 'green' their lives.

Bruce Plenk, Solar Energy Coordinator for the City of Tucson, said: "It's great to see churches join with the City of Tucson, doctors' offices, veterinarians' offices, bookstores, pizza places, office buildings and many homes in Tucson in going solar. Congratulations to St. Philip's In The Hills, its Green Team and Technicians for Sustainability on the completion of this wonderful solar project."

The financial savings will be immediate for St. Philip’s. The church acquired the project through a lease, leaving them to collect the savings each month. Over the course of 20 years, the church will see over $500,000 in cumulative utility savings.

Designed and installed by Technicians for Sustainability, St. Philip's 160 kW solar electric (photovoltaic) system is estimated to generate 24,000 kWh per month. The system consists of 522 SunPower modules and will provide over 90% of the entire facility's electricity needs, encouraging the church to take further energy saving measures. The system has the added benefit of offering shaded parking to visitors, improving the quality of the St. Philip's experience.

In keeping with their desire to be stewards of the environment, St. Philip’s new solar structures will save 24,100 lbs of coal and 12,050 gallons of water from being used to generate electricity each month. Their new source of electricity also prevents 53,670 lbs of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere each month. According to the Rev. Dr. Tom Lindell the solar array “will keep on giving … not only in a significant savings in electrical costs but also in the long-term benefit to our fragile ecosystem of avoiding putting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels.”

St. Philip’s will be celebrating the completion of their system on Sunday, April 22nd with a dedication and Earth Day ceremony. Please join them at 12:15p.m. after the last morning service to celebrate their great accomplishment and dedication to the environment and God.

About St. Philip’s In The Hills

St. Philip’s strives to be “a strong and loving community that welcomes, encourages, and empowers all to grow in Christ and to do God’s work in the world.” Through our vision invitation, “come and see … grow with God … go and do,” we invite all persons, regardless of demographic factors and faith expectations, to experience God, to learn and be formed spiritually, and to develop their individual gifts with which to serve God in the world through St. Philip’s more than 90 active ministry groups and programs. More information is available on our web site: www.stphilipstucson.org

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, solar hot water heating, and water harvesting.  TFS has installed over a megawatt of solar power in southern Arizona.  For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit tfssolar.com

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Technicians for Sustainability 2012 Solar Grant Open Applications

Tucson, AZ – February 1, 2012 – Technicians for Sustainability (TFS)  is proud to announce the opening of our 2012 Solar Grant application process.  Starting immediately we will be accepting applications until March 21, the Spring Equinox. The TFS grant program is funded by 1% of our revenue to help non-profit groups install renewable energy systems.  This program includes both matching grants as well as full grants.  The matching grant calculates the retail cost of the system, subtracts the utility rebate, and then TFS pays for 50% of the remaining amount.  The full grant calculates the retail cost of the system, subtracts the utility rebate, and then TFS pays for 100% of the remaining amount.

The grant is open to nonprofits in Tucson, AZ who qualify as 501(c)(3) and who share our values of sustainability.  You can find more information about the solar grant itself, past grant recipients and the application materials on our website: tfssolar.com/about-us/community-involvement/.

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, solar hot water heating, and water harvesting.  TFS has installed over a megawatt of solar power in southern Arizona.  For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit tfssolar.com.

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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.