News > Teaching by Example: A Retired Educator Embraces Community Solar Power

Teaching by Example: A Retired Educator Embraces Community Solar Power

• Stories

May 2, 2025

• Krupa Bharodiya

_{^{Solar homeowner Jesús Velazquez poses in his home with his dog.}}

For Jesús Velazquez, going solar was a practical decision and a meaningful step toward building a sustainable future for his family and community. As a retired educator who taught in Tucson’s public schools for over 25 years, Jesús has always valued connection and community. Tucson has been his home since 1994, and its desert climate made solar a natural fit.

“When we moved [to Tucson], we said ‘We have to go solar.’ It just made sense,” explained Jesús. With Tucson averaging around 350 days of sunshine annually, harnessing that energy felt like a no-brainer. 

After moving in, Jesús and his wife received visits from numerous solar companies making aggressive sales pitches, but the couple remained skeptical. Jesús had lingering questions about the long-term implications: “What if I decide to sell the house? Will the [buyer] be willing to stay with the solar or do I have to pay for it?” he wondered. This property resale concern resonates with many prospective solar adopters, as well as questions about maintenance requirements, warranty coverage, and weather impact on energy production.

Meanwhile, Tucson Electric Power (TEP)’s rate hikes served as a motivating factor. “It’s more expensive every day. It’s like twice a year they’re changing the rates,” he said. “All of that makes you think twice, three times, until you say, ‘You know what? No. [solar] is the future,’”

The perfect opportunity arose when Jesús’s family member, Vico Velasquez, recommended joining a Solar United Neighbors (SUN) solar co-op. “It was amazing to meet the co-op,” Jesús said. “It was the perfect way.” The co-op provided guidance, organized meetings, and helped compare bids. Jesús even participated in the installer selection committee, which reviewed proposals from solar companies, evaluated equipment quality and pricing, and ultimately selected the installer that would serve all co-op members. “[SUN] made it pretty easy,” he said. “You feel protected. You feel part of the community.”

For Jesús, switching to solar was about both financial savings and sustainability. Jesús was eligible for SUN’s Tucson Solar Income-Qualified Grant Program, which provided him with a $7,000 grant. He also received savings through Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) payments which provided additional financial benefits beyond the grant. With the help of SUN’s solar experts, Jesús was able to navigate the process with confidence and rest easy knowing his system was installed by a reputable provider.

Within months, he began seeing the results, and his energy bills dropped dramatically.

Since going solar, Jesús has become a strong advocate for renewable energy in his community, using his social connections to spread the word about its benefits. His enthusiasm has inspired neighbors to consider making the switch after seeing Jesús’s positive experience firsthand. Through conversations and personal outreach, he continues to encourage others to explore solar as an affordable and sustainable energy solution. 

“Do it,” he advises anyone considering going solar. Jesús’s advocacy embodies SUN’s core mission: to empower individuals to take control of their energy and build more resilient, solar-powered communities. The impact extends far beyond his home—SUN Arizona has successfully completed 18 solar co-ops statewide, helping 583 households make the switch to solar. This momentum will continue in 2025. Watch for upcoming opportunities in 2025, including co-ops serving Flagstaff, Sedona, and Coconino County. This co-op will help more neighbors across the region go solar together. The co-op opens for members in July 2025. Keep an eye out for a Tucson co-op launch in early fall-winter. These initiatives will make affordable solar energy accessible to even more Arizona families like Jesús’s.