Solar installers referred by APS

Arizona Public Service is helping make it easier for Yuma County residents to go solar, with qualified solar installers, or QSI.

The QSI passed a challenging series of technical, professional and administrative courses; must hold the appropriate licenses with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors; and have achieved high customer satisfaction ratings, according to the announcement by APS.

To find a QSI, visit www.aps.com/findsolarinstaller and select either “Find a Solar Panel Contractor” or “Find a Solar Water Heating Contractor” - allowing customers to pair up with a QSI.

Local spokeswoman Andrea Bereznak said APS is thrilled to have local contractors involved in the process, which will also help build their business.

“I think that APS is excited to further the renewable energy industry,” she told the Yuma Sun Monday.

Bereznak said the program came about because some customers are still not familiar with solar energy, and it may be intimidating to get into. The program through APS will help ensure an installer is reputable, she said.

And, the QSI already knows about the APS rebates, she said:

• For residential customers who would like to install solar electric systems (such as solar panels on your home) - $1.95 per watt.

• For residential customers who would like to install solar hot water - 50 cents per kilowatt hour savings. For solar hot water, the contractor will calculate the savings and rebate is available at installation.

Bereznak said there is no additional cost for working with a QSI. For more information on the program, visit www.aps.com.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.