Local businesses can buy clean, affordable solar energy though the TEP GoSolar Shares program, an easy way to go solar without a long-term commitment or investment.
GoSolar Shares can cover some or potentially all of your electric use with solar energy from TEP’s large, local arrays.
Energy can be purchased in 150-kilowatt-hour “shares” that lock in your power supply cost for 20 years and are exempt from renewable energy and fuel and purchased power surcharges. Because of this, your shares could save you money in the future if the cost for traditional energy increases.
The program is available to small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as residential customers. Participants can cancel at any time.
“TEP is more than an energy provider. We strive to be an energy partner. This program provides customers a way to achieve their renewable energy goals,” said Ryan Anderson, Senior Key Account Manager for TEP.
One local business that participates in TEP GoSolar Shares is Roche Tissue Diagnostics, or RTD, pictured above. With 1,300 employees based in Oro Valley, RTD is the largest commercial customer in TEP’s program, which was previously called Bright Tucson Community Solar.
RTD provides more than 250 cancer tests and associated instruments, making it the leading global supplier of cancer diagnostic systems to the pathology market.
The company offsets 100 percent of its annual electric use with 14 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy, enough to power 1,500 homes.
Don Pearson, RTD’s Safety, Health and Environmental Director, said the leadership at RTD was committed to achieving the company’s sustainability goals when it started buying community solar from TEP in 2017.
“Building partnerships in the community is important to Roche, along with reducing our impact on the environment,” Pearson said.
In addition to providing its energy needs, the program also helped the company avoid the upfront costs of buying and maintaining solar panels. Plus, by locking in a portion of their electric bills, the program could help the company generate long-term energy cost savings.
“This demonstrates to our investors, customers and patients our strong commitment to conduct business in a sustainable manner with a view toward long-term success for society,” said Jill German, Head of Roche Tissue Diagnostics. “Moving to 100 percent renewable energy with a local partner is preferred, so the impact is felt locally.”
Other TEP GoSolar Shares participants include the City of Tucson, Pima County and La Posada at Park Centre.
To sign up for the program, go to the GoSolar Shares webpage on tep.com or call 520-623-7711.
