Homeowners have many options when it comes to going green, but one Ahwatukee Foothills family discovered with the right company they could install solar panels on their home for no up-front cost and see immediate savings.

On Feb. 2, volunteers from Harmon Solar installed a donated solar system on a Habitat for Humanity home that is under construction for the Sabbara family, a family of four headed by a single mother in north Phoenix. This will be the fourth Habitat home that Harmon Solar will have installed with a cost-saving, solar system in Central Arizona.

On Feb. 2, volunteers from Harmon Solar installed a donated solar system on a Habitat for Humanity home that is under construction for the Sabbara family, a family of four headed by a single mother in north Phoenix. This will be the fourth Habitat home that Harmon Solar will have installed with a cost-saving, solar system in Central Arizona.

The children of Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori School have been bringing in their change for their love light banks in each classroom. The children raised more than $600 and Mrs. Meaghan McClung matched it. The school used this money to buy new toys for children whose families need help for the holidays.

Sunora Energy Solutions opened its new headquarters and solar modular assembly and fabrication facilities at 2342 E. University Drive in Phoenix. The 58,000-square-foot facility houses the corporation’s fabrication facilities, construction operations, support services and offices for the executive staff. Sunora Energy Solutions is expected to create approximately 75 jobs in Phoenix this year. In addition to solar design, engineering and construction services provided, Sunora Energy Solutions fabricates and pre-assembles propriety solar arrays at its facilities in Phoenix. The firm recently moved into its new facilities in May and began fabrication operations. Additional facilities are planned in the future at other strategic locations across the U.S. and North America.

Along with delivering reliable power and water to the Valley for more than 100 years, SRP provides information, programs and strategies for customers to conserve these vital resources. The result is often happy customers who have reduced their bills while lessening their impact on the environment.

Arizona State University (ASU) has been recognized for its cutting-edge work in promoting environmental sustainability by the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), an agreement between nearly 700 colleges and universities to promote sustainability through teaching and action.

The Valley of the Sun YMCA, the state’s oldest nonprofit, is going high-tech by partnering with Scout Solar, a Tempe business, to bring 1.6 megawatts of energy to 16 locations, three of which are in the East Valley.

When you think of Salt River Project, chances are you think no further than the light switch or utility bill. But behind the curtain there's a lot that goes into ensuring the lights come on when you flip that switch.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA just got a little greener.

ENVIRONMENT

Arizona Public Service Co. is seeking proposals from solar developers and installers to build a 17 megawatt photovoltaic facility financed through the utility's AZ Sun Program. The project must employ commercially driven technology.

Arizona Public Service Co. is seeking proposals from solar developers and installers to build a 17 megawatt photovoltaic facility financed through the utility’s AZ Sun Program. Project must employ commercially driven technology. The new solar facility, expected to be completed in 2013, will be owned and operated by APS and will provide electricity to an estimated 4,000 Arizona homes. A bidder’s webinar will be held Oct. 12. For more information, see www.aps.com/aps/rfp/default.html

In the face of an economic crisis, the solar industry, along with just about every other, feels the effects of a struggling capital market. But the solar industry has several key players in its court who are determined to make Arizona an attractive destination for these companies.

First Solar Inc. said Monday it sold a solar farm being built in Spain to a renewable energy fund in Europe. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

First Solar Inc. said Monday it sold a solar farm being built in Spain to a renewable energy fund in Europe. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Salt River Project has signed an agreement to purchase 100 percent of the electricity generated from the newest wind energy farm planned for Arizona.

Arizona State University prides itself on being a sustainable campus and it's upholding that pride by creating full solarization by September of this year.

Arizona State University prides itself on being a sustainable campus and it's upholding that pride by creating full solarization by September of this year.

It did not take long for the solar power system installed at the Queen Creek Olive Mill to perform as advertised.

It did not take long for the solar power system installed at the Queen Creek Olive Mill to perform as advertised.

Students looking to break into the world of solar energy will have a local option come the spring semester at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Desert Vista High School is one of 14 Arizona schools that will receive a comprehensive solar panel system in a partnership with the Salt River Project.

Desert Vista High School is one of 14 Arizona schools that will receive a comprehensive solar panel system in a partnership with the Salt River Project.