Yuma takes on solar challenge
Imagine Yuma as the “solar capital” of Arizona.
That's what the city of Yuma, Arizona Public Service and Arizona SmartPower believe Yuma can be, as the state of Arizona continues to lead the country in solar energy development. And that's why we're hosting “Solar Up Yuma,” a first-ever event today (Friday) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Yuma International Airport on the second floor in the airport terminal.
As state director for Arizona SmartPower, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solar energy in Arizona, I've had the privilege to work with the city of Yuma as part of the Arizona Solar Challenge. Yuma has accepted our call to install solar on 5 percent of its owner-occupied homes by 2015.
To reach that goal, Arizona SmartPower offers the free service of a solar coach, an unbiased expert who can help you evaluate your solar options and provide guidance on financing, incentives and energy cost savings. We've also assembled solar ambassadors, solar customers who live in Yuma and are excited to encourage their friends and neighbors to go solar, too.
In Yuma, 18 of your neighbors have signed up to be solar ambassadors, and they will be out in full force at the airport today.
Some interesting news came out this week that shows the promise of solar in Yuma. According to The Solar Foundation's National Solar Jobs Census, 100,237 Americans are now working in the solar energy field, an increase of 6.8 percent since last year. Meanwhile, jobs in the overall economy grew at just 0.7 percent over that same time period. It's clear that solar is playing a role in putting people back to work.
Meanwhile, it's giving Arizona consumers a way to cut back on energy costs.
It's time Yuma capitalizes on the abundant natural resource it has at its fingertips. Solar Up Yuma will be a one-stop shop: You can speak to representatives from APS, Arizona SmartPower, solar installation companies and residents who already have installed solar in their homes or businesses. You can even meet our solar coach and sign up for your free consultation.
It's a great opportunity for people to learn more about energy efficiency, financing options, the variety of renewable energy resources available, and how easy the process of “going solar” can really be. We hope to see you today — and look forward to working together to meet and exceed the Arizona Solar Challenge!
Toni Bouchard
State Director
Arizona SmartPower
Tempe
