When the cost of getting solar was less than our TEP bill I shopped around and asked my friends about their solar experience and I was repeatedly directed to TFS, Technicians For Sustainability. I decided to wander into their workspace to learn what I could about this company that had a terrific reputation and had gotten press for being worker owned. When I walked in I was greeted by gracious Derek working at his computer near the entrance. Behind him I saw one of my decades-old cartoons about solar power on the back wall of the office. A good sign. The collegial space was packed with an industrious diverse crew with a sunny vibe. Forgive the pun but it is rooted in truth. A positive workspace is telling. Now wonder they're the best. Derek explained the available financing, how the system would be designed and the simple steps and I was delighted with the affordability and the speed with which I could have photovoltaic panels generating power on my roof. A year before I had posted interest in solar and was descended upon by sales people from the many solar operators here in southern Arizona. It was discouraging and dizzying. Unlike that blizzard of experiences my encounter with TFS was encouraging both because of the affordability and the simplicity of the steps. I was sold on the spot. We are buying our system on time and it will cost us much less than our electric bill and in the future will easily make even greater sense. In this strange political time going solar was an enjoyable act of defiance for us. Derek, Tamarack and Taylor and the other co-owners of TFS whom I encountered during the installation were terrific. TFS was present throughout the process of inspections, installation steps and reviews insuring a painless and pleasant transition. The patient positive attitude of everyone at TFS blew us away, both in the office, and in the field, at our home. The crews that came to my hacienda were staffed by exceptional highly experienced workers. The TFS electricians who replaced the old circuit box with a beautiful modern model were good humored and happy to explain their mission. The TFS installers of the panel supports and the panels who followed were a competent synchronized team who were equally cheerful about answering our questions. The much anticipated day TFS guided us through the simple steps of turning on our system was thrilling to this homeowner. Once the app we loaded was showing us how much energy the sun light was producing the experience felt magical. We set about using our appliances like kids, savoring the scientific miracle of sunlight powering powering our washer, dishwasher and oven. Our hacienda is powered by TFS and our hearts were warmed by TFS. read more

Technicians For Sustainability - Solar Installation Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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piss poor service - I inquired about a solar system with battery backup. end of July. Here we are first week of October still no system design or offer. I've followed up and gotten bs response #1. be patient. you'll have it soon! a month after that still nothing. many other local solar companies can get you a quote in days and do a full proposal and site visit in a week. Obviously these guys are not motivated. They also seem to believe that all of there solar customers are green cred motivated by doing solar for the good of the planet. That's Not me. Yet. All their marketing and effort seems dedicated to appealing to my emotions and not the cold hard facts. So. All in all. Don't waste your time with these people. read more

Technicians For Sustainability - Solar Installation Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

It is without reservation that we would recommend TFS if you are considering rooftop solar. They are thorough and professional, and communication throughout the entire process was timely and clear. When you launch into a project like this, you want to know you are working with a quality organization. We, and others in our neighborhood that have worked with them agree, TFS is the kind of company you always hope to find. read more

Technicians For Sustainability - Our rooftop solar system installed by TFS as seen from up the street. - Solar Installation Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Tempted to give one star. TFS installed our solar power system in 2011. In 2022, an electrical component spontaneously melted and could easily have started the house on fire - scorch mark on the drywall. TFS technician who fixed it gave an incomprehensible explanation for why this happened and said there was never a fire hazard, which was clearly not true. Had a second company look at the system. They found that the TFS repair was done incorrectly - creating another possible hazard. And thought the melting issue was likely due to poor workmanship by the original installer - TFS. TFS also had reason to suspect and opportunity to correct this electrical problem, as they were called at least twice in the couple years preceding this incident to replace blown fuses in the component that later melted. read more

Technicians For Sustainability - scorch mark on drywall circled - Solar Installation Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

TFS installed a 7.2 kW system for us, along with updating our electrical panel and installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet with a dedicated circuit for EV charging. I got quotes from three different companies for my solar installation, and TFS was by far the best. They analyzed years of TEP usage data to ensure that we'd have a system that would meet our needs and gave us in depth information about the type of panels being used and the kind of power production we could expect. The other companies seemed too busy to answer our questions and seemed to just want to get us to sign a contract. TFS also gave us the cheapest quote. The only negative aspect was that it took a while (roughly 9 months) from signing the contract to powering on our system, but for something this important, I felt it was worth the wait. We've had our system for about a year and a half with zero problems. Our power bill is virtually nothing, EV charging has worked great, and we are overall very happy with the service. We would definitely use them again if we wanted to add a battery or more panels. Highly recommended! read more

TFS did a terrific job. They did a very thorough estimate and even took into account the shadow that would be cast by the giant saguaro. Other firms were more concerned about how many solar panels they could stick on the roof to increase the price. When we did a bid comparison the costs were almost the same but we got 2 Tesla battery storage units too, instead of just solar panels. They took into account all of our concerns. ALL of the TFS folks were extremely personable and professional. You could tell that they really cared, were dedicated to doing the best job possible, and were willing to work with us. The other major factor is that they are Tucson based and have a stake in our community. It was a pleasure doing business with them and we have absolutely no hesitation to recommend them for any work you need to have done. read more

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A year ago we decided we wanted solar for the new house. We looked into several different providers, including Tesla who we were with at our previous home, and we decided on TFS. Meeting with Brian and his team sold us on them beyond just the actual solar equipment. Each of them was professional, quick to respond to questions and to provide assistance, and very knowledgeable. One of the elements we liked is they do not come off as a big uninterested company. They are local, focused on the community, and committed to sustainable practices. The equipment itself is very efficient and effective. We had limited space for installation and they optimized it for our current and future needs. The system is easy to use and the TFS team is available to provide anything we need. The monitoring app provides excellent data and it is kept up-to-date regardless of OS upgrades. The system price and paymemt options, as well as the integration with TEP is very affordable, one of the best around. We have several neighbors who also went with TFS and all of us are very.happy with their product, service, and professionalism. We highly recommend TFS for your solar needs. read more

Technicians For Sustainability - Solar system - Solar Installation Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I reroofed and had to remove the solar system and central vac. TFS did the solar removal & replacement and worked perfectly with the roofing company. They are just as efficient and professional as ever, gave detailed information regarding the panel removal & replacement, gave a timeframe that was perfect alongside the roofing company. I was without solar for about a month which was exactly what was expected. Quality work by a quality company. Very pleased. read more

I believe I may have a problem with their business model. They may have great installers and great motives and good results generally. But now that they are way behind on their work, and someone like me wants to actually power my EV investments and I don't want to wait six months to get new panels added. So I went ahead and had another contractor install additional panels in a reasonably timely fashion, in two months! Everything worked fine for eight months with two different strings of panels. Now I have issues with their string of panels, but they have no interest in figuring out the problem. It seems to me that's less than taking the customers viewpoint and serving it. I recognize that having someone else cooking in your kitchen, so to speak, could seriously concern any chef. But to take no responsibility without investigating or being engaged because you're not completely happy with the situation, and cut off warrantees, is an extreme position. It's sad that having a bonanza business means that you can ignore the legitimate needs of your customer base who have installed your product. Two years ago, I would've given them a five, but not today. read more

TFS was actually able to get us on to solar last week, over a month ahead of schedule. So far we are extremely happy watching the electricity being produced by the sun. Waiting to get the first TEP bill on the panels. Do your research re: time of use. TEP buys back over production (produced - used) kilowatts at .07 a kilowatt, but still charge Off Peak and On Peak prices for what you use from the grid. We were advised to use those appliances we had control over and charge the EV vehicles during the day when the panels are producing power. May consider going with Tesla Power Walls later on, but so far we are extremely happy with the work TFS has done. read more

I have called them a couple times over last few months for information on battery backup, costs, and installation timeframe. always take the time to answer my questions. heads up they are 10 months out on installation reservations read more

I wanna update my review because maybe I was not fair and I was a little bit upset in how I was treated. This company is a very good company and I do trust them. If you looking for solar this is the team to try to get. They're super busy and they have tons of work and if you want to wait for them, they definitely do a great job. I did talk to Brian today and he help me with my Quote for my other house and when I'm ready to do the project, hopefully they have some time in their schedule in the future to put me back on their schedule. read more

I did a lot of research before selecting TFS to install solar panels on my house. I'm new to living in AZ and really didn't understand the process at all. They are extremely knowledgeable, patient and professional! I was kept very informed throughout the whole process and the installers were very careful with my roof. Everyone we dealt with at TFS was so professional and helpful. Lastly, they found me a financing option that I was very pleased with! I highly recommend TFS for your solar needs! read more

I had solar panels and a solar water heater installed by TFS.  I found the quality of the Installation to be on the poor side. I dealt with person there named Erin, I think she is a co-owner so rude it is obvious, she is only in the business to take peoples hard-earned Money with caring about Quality and customer service. In their Web site they talk about standards and ethics.....LOL read more

I had a 6.79kWp system installed in August 2017. I chose a Hanwha system to have the most rapid pay-back. I chose TFS based on recommendations of others, the fact that they had many installed systems in Tucson, as well as the fact that they seemed to have an excellent reputation. The initial consultations and discussions were informative and professional. My roof is fairly crowded with pipes and skylights, and also a separate pool solar heater, and so the planning of the layout was important. That proceeded well. Once the contract was signed, they kept me up-to-date on what was happening in terms of HOA approval and other approvals. Importantly, they coordinated with the roofing company that was rebuilding my roof so that the rack footings for the panels would be placed under the new roofing materials and penetration of the new roof would not be necessary. When the date for installation came, the work was professionally done. It went smoothly with no problems encountered. The crew certainly knew what they were doing. Now that a complete year has passed, the system has exceeded the estimated annual production by 12.6%. I could not be happier with the installed system or with TFS. read more

I had an excellent experience working with TFS on my solar setup. They provided clear communication and did a quality job on the design and build. I would highly recommend them! read more

From the start of the project to the very end, TFS provided great support and guidance for our project. Brian and his team answered all our questions and addressed our concerns professionally and in a timely manner. read more

TFS installed both our home and office with Solar. Their work has been absolutely excellent. We want the to install our new home.

A number of our neighbors had used TFS and recommended them highly. We were very pleased with the whole process, from initial contact (people answer the phone! you don't get a telephone tree) through survey, installation, and turning the system on. We are very satisfied customers. read more

We just had whole house solar installed by TFS, and the experience was fantastic. The reason we chose them over others in the area (we interviewed five companies) is they offer the new LG panels with a twenty-five year warranty. None of the other companies were offering this specific panel. They gave us quotes on three different options, and the ones we went with were priced in the middle. I was home during the entire installation process, and the installers were unfailingly polite and considerate, cleaned up after themselves, and were generally wonderful. I would say that this was the most pleasant process possible, and the best experience having a large crew work around my home that I've ever had. This company is extremely professional and we felt like we were in good hands the entire time. I was impressed with how efficient and detail-oriented they were, and their communication was top-notch. Typically during a process of having work done around our home, there will be moments where I wonder what we got ourselves into. I never had a moment like that with this process, and that's really saying something. They even took care of dealing with our HOA, which I'm sure anyone living with an HOA will appreciate. We highly recommend TFS without reservation. Do not hesitate to contact them if you're interested in solar. Many thanks from us to the entire TFS team! read more

TFS did an excellent job installing our 15 panel system. They did everything required to get the plans through my very strict HOA. I eventually want to add battery storage, but frankly don't have the cash right now. TFS installed a sub-panel and additional wiring so that when I do save up enough for a powerwall, it should be a seamless install. Everyone I spoke with was incredibly professional and very helpful - including the installers. I highly recommend them. -adam read more

David & Tamarack were my contacts with TFS and I can say they were prompt and professional with any of my requests. They made the purchase of the solar panels easy. When I asked for ( 2) level 2 outlets to be added to the job for future electric cars they easily accommodated my request. TFS handed the permit process, worked with TEP in setting up new meter and all the other mundane items that I did not have to deal with. The installing crew were on time, courteous and kept me informed at all times. They cleaned up each day and left the garage area and roof area free of debris. It has been two months since the installation and I am very happy to report no problems and in the month of October to have a credit on my TEP account. I would highly recommend TFS due to their experience, knowledge and ease of doing business the correct way with their customer base. read more

Great service from start to finish. The whole process was explained very clearly. We had to wait about five months from the time we signed up to the time the system was installed, and after that, everything went smoothly. TFS employees were/are super-responsive, courteous and prompt. Highly recommended! read more

TFS is knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Everyone I interacted with at TFS was great! TFS installed a solar hot water heater and solar panel for me last year and solar panels and electrical energy system this year. From information about the systems to installation and follow-up, everything was professional and according to my timing. read more

I searched pretty hard to find someone to install a photovoltaic solar array. I didn't like the idea of not owning the array that would be installed on my house for many reasons. I selected TFS because of their thorough analysis of my needs and return on investment. I also selected TFS because they offered solar arrays from well-known manufacturers. I selected panels manufactured by LG - a company that I expect will be around long enough to honor a 20 year warranty. The panels are very efficient, allowing me to install fewer panels on the roof, reducing wind and weight loads. The inverter and monitoring system are a great combination. I find myself checking the online reporting system daily if not more often! I have also shared the monitoring web site with family and friends. I enjoyed working with the TFS staff - they walk the talk and are committed to doing their part to install sustainable energy solutions in the Tucson area. read more

I've had two sets of panels installed on my house. In 2009 I interviewed Sun Power of AZ and TFS. I thought they were both well qualified, but ended up going with the smaller company (Sun Power) to help the "littler" guy. I believe Sun Power did a fine job and have had no issues to date with their equipment or installation. In 2013 I decided to add 10 more panels to bring my net yearly use to approximately zero. I still wanted to stay local to benefit Tucson and to use a company that used installers that worked just for them. I went with TFS the second time. I couldn't be happier with the entire scope of the TFS job. They were courteous, communicated well, showed up on time, did exactly what was agreed upon and installed a professional looking system. After the job was finished I felt that TFS had given me a quality installation at a fair price. Despite the fact that they continuously monitor the performance of my system (it's not a leased system, so I'm not sure they need to do this), they've checked in on me yearly to see if I had any issues. Additional point: During the TFS initial site inspection, the estimator quickly noted that a few of the Sun Power panels probably shaded a small portion of 6 other panels in late December. I told him he was correct. I liked the fact that this bugged him, and he wanted to correct it. Although I can't remember what he added to the cost to prevent the shading, I remember it being a minor amount. That small adjustment improved the output of my Sun Power panels 50% in late December/early January! I'm not sure other contractors would've cared about another installation or, if asked to correct the situation, would've charged anywhere near what TFS did. TFS is a for profit company, but I certainly get the feeling that is not their number one priority. Solar City is making a big push around the country to install leased systems at no up-front out-of-pocket cost. Before going with such a large company that contracts out installations, I would ask that you include TFS in your bids. I believe TFS is trying to work with TEP to provide the same sort of lease system that Solar City would. read more

My experience was topnotch from the estimate to installation. Communication was excellent. They kept me informed of the progress of paperwork and approvals, worked with me to find a convenient time to install, and did the installation in two days. Everyone was friendly, extremely knowledgeable and professional. It is clear that this local company works hard to exceed customer expectations. When the County inspector came to inspect the system he remarked on the quality of TFS work. All the employees are committed to sustainability; they know what they are doing and they stand behind their work. I recommend them highly. read more

Everyone that we dealt with at TFS was VERY professional. They were very understanding and helpful with all our questions. They were quick and efficient in installing. TEP was slow but not TFS. We love the software they gave us to follow what our panels are making every day, etc. We have several friends who didn't go with TFS and are not happy with their software. Ours gives us so much more information than theirs. We strongly would recommend them to everyone. It was a great experience. read more

TFS was prompt, on time, and on budget. Everything was explained up front so there were no surprises, and they even helped us learn about available tax credits we could take advantage of. They took care of everything with Tucson Electric Power and made things as painless as possible getting our utilities switched over. They are friendly, and easily reachable by phone. Highly recommend. read more

Although my situation turned out to be a huge mess with permitting issues, which did not allow me to get solar in the end, Kevin and the staff at TFS handled my unique situation with the utmost of professionalism. The quality of workmanship was also top-notch. These guys are true old-school tradesmen that take pride in their work. It was unfortunate that I couldn't actually get hooked up, but where TFS had every reason to be less than diplomatic about it, they maintained dignity throughout a messy situation. I would recommend TFS to any resident who wanted solar. Best game in town, IMHO. read more

I recently had my PV solar electric system installed in my home by TFS. This company did a fantastic job in explaining in great detail what I was buying, the permitting process, the installation, required inspections and data monitoring. Danielle, my designated POC for my project, kept me well informed each step along the way and she was a great help in getting me connected to the right folks at the the local utility company to get my system online. They are truly 5 Star professionals. read more

Good service. Scheduling was easy and convenient. The lead guy was rushed and someone kicked over some of my pots on my patio. Id use them again but with a bit more caution. read more

TFS is the only contractor that has worked on my house that deserves 5 stars. The installation was done on time and is extremely professional. We are producing more electricity than TFS promised and our system should pay for itself in a little over 4 years. We've had one minor problem with the system and TFS sent out a technician the same day we called to solve the problem. This company is one that truly deserves your business. read more

We recently utilized Technicians For Sustainability to install solar panels on our roof and we are thrilled with the decision to work with them. Everyone at TFS was wonderful to work with throughout the entire process. They are an incredibly professional and passionate company and they take great pride in their work. We would highly suggest TFS for anyone who is interested in clean energy solutions and working with them was a pleasure. Thank you TFS! read more

TFS is a another company I would give a BIG Avoid. I had solar panels and a solar water heater installed by TFS. I found the quality of the Installation to be on the poor side. One of the Electrical boxes they installed is held by several washers over 1" away from the block and the installer when he was putting the clamps on the conduit broke 3 screws in the block. The installer probably had the torque on the drill too high and did not drill a pilot hole before installing the screws in the block. TFS also installed 2 rows of panels and on the 2nd row there is a space where another panel can be installed. If I was given the choice I would have opted to have another live or dummy panel installed to take up the void which is unappealing. The Solar Water Panel should also have been installed lower so it does not stick out like a sore thumb when approaching the house. The owner of TFS talked me into their Solar Water Heater system Saying that it was better than the Cornell system I already had. I gave away a Cornell System that held 80 Gallons on the roof and had a Conventional 80 Gallon water heater in the inside in case the sky was cloudy and could not heat the water. The Cornell system is a Passive system and only uses water pressure to move the water. If ther is a Powere outage one will still have Hot water. The system sold by TFS Which cost $5000 has a panel on the roof and the water is pushed up to the Panel by a pump and pulled back down by another pump. If the Electricity goes off one is in trouble especially if there is no gas and the heater works on electricity as in my case. I would never buy or have anything installed by TFS in the future. read more