Local opinion: Affordable solar power helps Tucson stay creative

There has never been a better time for Tucsonans to consider adopting solar energy. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the benefits of going solar are more accessible than ever. This is true for homeowners, as well as for small businesses, community centers and nonprofits.

One recent success story is The Drawing Studio, a 30-year-old art cooperative in Tucson. It recently installed a solar system with help from local organizations. The solar installation will significantly reduce the studio’s energy costs, allowing them to allocate more resources toward their creative programs.

This success highlights a growing community interest in Tucson to find innovative ways to empower residents, businesses, and nonprofits to lower emissions while saving on energy bills. Fortunately, federal solar tax credits, expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act, make this possible. These credits cover 30% of installation costs for homeowners and businesses. And for the first time ever, nonprofits and houses of worship can also get help paying for solar via a direct payment worth 30% of the cost of going solar in lieu of receiving a traditional tax credit. Direct pay is making solar energy more affordable for nonprofits, houses of worship, schools, governments, and many other tax-exempt organizations across our state.

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) of Arizona, an organization dedicated to expanding solar access, has helped nonprofits, places of worship, and homeowners through the process of applying for this assistance. SUN helps organizations like The Drawing Studio harness the power of the sun, reducing their energy bills and carbon footprint.

This aligns perfectly with Tucson’s values of creativity, innovation, and responsible resource management.

The completion of The Drawing Studio’s solar project is a shining example for other organizations and businesses in southern Arizona. By leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act’s solar tax credits and other incentives, communities across the region can solve their energy needs through solar power. The financial benefits of these tax credits, combined with the environmental impact, make this an ideal time for Tucsonans to go solar.

If you own a home, lead a nonprofit, or run a business, I encourage you to explore the cost savings that solar tax credits, direct pay, and other programs you may be eligible for could provide. Solar United Neighbors offers resources and guidance to help you navigate the process. By embracing solar, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future for Tucson and Southern Arizona.

Together, we can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, one solar panel at a time.

For more information on how to benefit from solar tax credits, visit Solar United Neighbors Arizona.