Karen – Tempe, Arizona

I went solar, then helped my daughter go solar too!

Karen S.
East Valley Solar Co-op, Tempe, AZ
System size: 4.22 kW

Why did you decide to go solar?

Electrical generation is a serious contributor to climate change, and I want to do whatever I can to minimize my carbon footprint. I’d considered solar for a long time but had many questions about the technology, feasibility (for my east-west facing house), and lease-vs-purchase arrangements. Solar United Neighbors helped bridge that knowledge gap for me so, by joining the East Valley Co-op, I felt armed with the information I needed. (They made it easy!).

Did anything surprise you about going solar?

No, I was pretty knowledgeable about the process since I’d considered this for a long time.

What benefits did you experience going solar with a co-op?

I LOVE it! It instills confidence that I made the right decision in going solar.

What advice would you give to someone considering going solar?

1) Investigate your energy utility’s power generation portfolio to learn the sources (coal, hydropower, nuclear, etc.) they use to generate your electricity and consider this question: WHY is solar such a tiny percentage of that mix? Arizona has more insolation than ANY other state – yet several other states use far more solar. Every one of us can help increase that percentage by adding solar to our residences. That’s good for you AND for the planet!

2) By joining a co-op, you get the benefits of their expertise in how the process operates, in vetting potential solar installers, and in being the liaison between the homeowner and the contractor. (Certainly, anyone can manage that – but do you know the questions you need to ask?)