We are very proud to be celebrating 25 years in business. Since 1998, The Solar Store has designed and installed solar hot water, solar pool heating, solar electric systems, and other environmentally sensitive and energy-efficient products. As an electrical and plumbing contractor licensed for both commercial and residential work, we have installed over 9,000 solar systems in southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. The total energy produced by these systems approaches 10.8 million kWh and represents an approximate savings of $1,200,000 to our customers.

In 1998, grid-tie solar systems were not available and most photovoltaics were used for off-grid installations. The majority of our work included installing solar thermal systems, solar hot water systems, and solar pool systems. At that time, there were no incentives or tax credits available for such additions. We spent much of our time working on older systems that were no longer under warranty or the installer was out of business – or both.

It wasn’t until 2003 that we saw the on-set of grid-tie photovoltaic systems. This is when the Solar Store teamed with The John Wesley Miller Companies on their Armory Park del Sol neighborhood southeast of Downtown Tucson. This neighborhood was designed to have 100 solar-powered homes, including passive solar hot water with tankless backup and at least 1500 watts of grid-tied photovoltaics. The project was eventually completed in 2013 and included two Net Zero homes. Since then, Solar Store has also worked with many other homebuilders in Southern Arizona to increase the adoption of solar energy in the new home market.

Although a lot has changed in the solar industry, the commitment and goals of The Solar Store have remained consistent:

1. Equality for all in Solar, whether it be hot water, electricity, light, or air; our customer-centric approach will guide you to your energy and environmental goals.
2. The passion for our job drives us to the highest quality of parts and workmanship.
3. Energy sustainability is a pivotal function of Environmental Security. We strive daily to do our part and to stand as an example of environmental stewardship.

We are looking forward to see what the next 25 years have to offer.

– Katharine J. Kent, PE, CEM