Testimonials

Since then, we have had a total of four solar systems and one wind generator. This last system, which we are in the process of installing, is inter-tied with APS (Arizona Public Service).

The systems today are so easy to utilize, cost effective (or should I say, money SAVING!), and just make sense on so many levels. We love contributing to the solution, being energy independent, and offsetting our carbon footprint.

-JoDee Vale

But then we explored the solar electric possibilities and we liked these a lot more than our other options.

We have 28 solar panels on the shop roof and they are saving us money on our electric bill all the time. I have joined SmartPower’s Solar Ambassador Program in our area. I am proud to be associated with solar power and hope to encourage solar installations in the Flagstaff area!

-Rollie Kohl

The different booths touted that my hot water heater can account for as much as 25 percent of my electric bill.

I did some quick calculations and realized that a hot water heater would pay for itself within the first two-and-a-half years, after all the rebates and tax credits, if what they said were true. I scheduled an estimate to be done in the fall of 2009. Within a month I got the necessary approval and had it installed in a day.

It’s been 15 months, and I can show you my electric bill and that it went down about 25 percent a month! I can tell even on cool days, when the sun isn’t out, that the new heater is still providing great solar hot water for my family. Solar is the smartest thing a person can do for his house, his wallet and the environment. Now I am looking into having a solar PV system installed. It is estimated to pay for itself after about 11 years.

I will be attending the Solar Ambassador dinner on April 7 in Casa Grande. I hope to see you there!

-John Serenita

My first impression was that something was wrong, so I called APS and told them that they must have made a mistake. APS asked me a few questions and indicated that the bill sounded normal to them for the size of my home and how it was outfitted.

I am a CPA and financial advisor by profession, so the idea that I would have to pay that kind of money for electricity did not sit well with me. I immediately set out to resolve this high electric bill issue.

I had my AC units inspected and my ductwork inspected and sealed. I even measured the usage of all the electrical appliances in my home. All of these steps reduced my electrical consumption by about 20 percent over a couple of months. But I was not content. By then, I had begun the process of investigating solar. Once I realized that the out–of-pocket costs would be affordable with APS’s rebate and federal and state tax credits, I was sold.

What I like about solar are the many benefits that I see today and will see in the future. As of this writing, I have been producing energy for about two months. At least for now, my solar system is generating more power than I am consuming. Therefore, I am building credits that I can cash in during the summer months when my AC units are running 24/7.

My out–of-pocket payments to APS are going to be significantly reduced throughout the year. It is also my understanding that my property taxes can’t be increased due to the additional value the solar system adds to my home. And the inevitable increases in utility costs over time are not going to have much impact on me, as I am creating my own power and will be buying very little.

I had only lived in my home for a few months before my solar system was installed, so I don’t have a baseline to compare to. But my expectations are that I will break even in about 10 years, at which time my investment will have paid itself back to me through savings on my electric bill. Once that happens, it’s all profit.

Thank you, Arizona SmartPower!

-T.J. Todd, CPA, PFS, MS

If you have $14,000 sitting in a CD, it generates a return of only 0.5 percent annually. The immediate return on a solar investment generates $60 to $70 each month. It’s just a no brainer!

-Steve Schoner