Solar power beginning to shine in Maricopa

Steve Krebs is a realistic man. He understands the relationship between hot weather and high utility bills. But that doesn’t mean he has to like it.

Krebs, who owns a 2,900-square-foot home in Rancho El Dorado, decided that $850-per-month utility bills were a little hard to stomach.

“We try to be energy-conscious, keep the house at 80 degrees, but it didn’t seem to help,” Krebs said.

He saw relief in the very thing that was driving up his rates – the sun. Last week, Krebs became one of the first in Maricopa to have his home fitted with solar power.

“Besides saving money, I wanted to do something to get off the grid, something good for the environment,” Krebs said. “I did the calculations, and it made sense to go ahead and make the investment.”

A solar system transforms a home’s electrical meter into a two-way device. When the amount of energy a homeowner uses exceeds the output, the meter spins one direction. And when the amount produced exceeds usage, it spins the other way. Basically, if you’re producing more power than you’re using, the utility company will buy it back.

The 5.04 KW system, which will generate 10,080 kilowatt-hours per year, was installed by Chandler-based Sun Valley Solar Solutions at a cost of about $35,000. But Krebs took advantage of alternative-energy incentives offered by Electrical District No. 3 and the federal government. Krebs says he’ll get a $15,000 solar rebate from ED-3, and a federal tax credit of $11,000.

“My out-of-pocket cost is about $9,000,” Krebs said. He expects the system to save him $120-130 per month.

“I estimate the system will pay for itself in about seven years,” Krebs said.

The 24-panel system, which was designed to fit on the roof, took about a day and a half to wire and install.

Joe Messner, co-owner of Sun Valley Solar Solutions, said more and more people in the Valley are inquiring about solar alternatives.

“We’re seeing a lot more interest lately,” Messner said. In fact, the Sun Valley Solar Solutions has seen a 600-percent increase in business since the beginning of 2009.

Messner’s company has been operating since 2005. “When we started, there were only five companies in the Valley installing solar. Now, there are probably 100,” Messner said. He cautions that people should do their homework before hiring a company to install a solar system.

“Many of these companies get into the solar business for the wrong reasons,” Messner said.

For Krebs, who works for Intel in Chandler, it’s love at first light. “We’re excited about it.” Bring on the sun.

Photo by Jim Williams