Using Solar Energy

Community Solar Program helps people obtain good, unbiased, noncommercial advice and support in obtaining solar energy and other products and services that provide new ways of living better, at less cost, in greater harmony with the natural environment.

We invite you to join with us in making our homes and communities better places to live.

Current Offerings
The Community Solar Program is based in Tucson, Arizona. Virtually all of the work is done through the kindness of volunteers. We currently function primarily through meetings, workshops and tours, because these give participants maximum opportunity to communicate and see how things can be done.

Therefore, there is presently a practical limit to how much we can help. Participants must be willing to come to Tucson to take part in these or work out some kind of alternative.

The Solar Alliance is a non-profit educational organization. It does not buy, sell or install things. It works by helping buyers get together and obtain the information and support they need, and connecting them with sellers and installers in ways that benefit everyone.

Alas, we currently do not have the resources to answer individual questions about products and services by e-mail. However, we will address questions of general interest in a new feature to be added to this web site soon.

Here are some details of what we currently offer.

Community Solar Program
The Community Solar Program was started to bring together community resources to help people who are interested in putting solar energy to good use. With this initiative, the Tucson Solar Alliance became the first nonprofit community organization of its kind to be selected for participation and funding in the nation's leading photovoltaic program.

Through this program, many homeowners and businesses have been able to obtain unbiased, noncommercial information and advice on pv systems, as well as access to some of the best prices available to the public.

This was then expanded to other solar and related products and services. We can help you obtain these on a practical and cost effective basis under the best terms that we can arrange for you.

Solar products include solar water heating, associated home space heating, and solar pool heating. We can also help with passive solar design, energy efficiency, alternative building materials, water efficiency, rainwater harvesting, gray water and other measures that provide for better living in ways that fit in better with the natural environment

The Tucson Solar Alliance does not buy, sell or install things. It is a non-profit community education organization. However, we can help people be more effective in the market place by joining together and acting cooperatively as a group. Cooperative buying groups form regularly. Let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll try to help.

Solar Home Workshops and Tours
The Solar Alliance also offers a series of seminars, workshops and tours on design and construction for new and existing homes. Some are free. Some involve a donation to help cover expenses.

Local experts provide practical, unbiased, noncommercial information and advice on new advances in technology, design, materials and construction that can allow you to enjoy a much better home and lifestyle, yet reduce longer term costs of home ownership substantially.

There are also opportunities to see award-winning homes that have been featured in national and local publications and broadcasts, and talk with owners, architects and builders. You can also see examples of new materials and products and learn how to make selections and purchases at reduced prices.

Emphasis is on practicality, cost-effectiveness, owner empowerment and how to do it. Whether you are planning to build or buy a new home, or remodel your present home, you can benefit greatly from these advances.

What You Can Do
Solar energy really works for many people – and it can work for you too. Put the power of community on your side. Join the Tucson Solar Alliance. Here's how!

The Solar Alliance succeeds in fostering practical, cost-effective choices through community sharing. If you are interesting in such choices, we will be glad to help you. If you would like to help, or if you have news, suggestions or advise on good products, materials, suppliers, contractors and other services, please be sure to get in touch with us.

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