Local forum lays out benefits of using solar power in homes

Most Arizonans who want to tap into solar energy to cut electricity bills or to heat water are fortunate.

This is the right spot for it, a panel on ways to trap the sun’s energy heard Saturday.

Unfortunately for those who yearn to harness the wind, it’s not a good idea. Only a few places in the state have enough consistent wind to generate power.

About 250 people heard representatives of power companies, a commercial business and a congressional spokesman talk about solar power.

Organizer Genna Lemman said when it comes to energy needs here, “We think the answer is the sun.”

She said drivers who go to service stations “see their gasoline bills keep going up…up…up.”

The sun’s light is forever.

Tamarack Little who works in the legislative offices of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., gave a quick check list for people who are thinking about installing solar power.

Among items on it was one to contact the homeowners’ association “before any project starts.”

The Arizona Legislature during its last session gave broader powers to homeowners who might live in associations with what might be restrictive rules.

Other things, he said, are to find a good installer, have him make a site visit, obtain a permit, make an agreement with the utility company, apply for a utility rebate, if any, then start.

The whole process can take six to eight weeks with installation usually takes three to four days, said Little.

He suggested people who are trying to save money on utilities take some small steps to reduce use, such as set thermostat a few degrees lower in winter, a few degrees higher in summer, dry laundry outside, switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs or possibly even LEDs, light emitting diodes.

Another speaker, Bill Henry of Tucson Electric Power, said his company is trying to use the sun to generate power.

TEP’s Springerville facility has solar collectors that help generate 4.6 megawatts, enough to provide power for 727 houses. Work’s under way to increase it to 8 megawatt, he said.

The solar facility is part of TEP’s Green Watts Program, to find and use net energy producing stations.

Troy Dainty of Tucson’s Solar Store showed slides of some energy-saving systems his firm has installed.

One consists of about three large coils of dark hoses connected to pumps to circulate and warm swimming pools.

TEP handed out information showing that alternate power systems at home than can generate 2.6 megawatts to 14.4 megawatts can be paid for with savings in 12.5 to 15 years.

Electric cooperative TRICO said these rates may change for the better in coming years due to proposed federal legislation requiring improvements.

Sponsors of Saturday’s forum included the Green Valley Community Coordinating Council, Green Valley Recreation and Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749