Harvest the sun

Randy Stevens isn't just promoting "green" products - he's providing a visible example of them in action.

One of his endeavors as manager of the Phoenix-based Solar Green Co. is a project house in Sun City West that incorporates solar-powered systems, including a recently installed solar powered water heater.

While Stevens' company distributes solar panels, solar golf cars and other green products, he admits that "seeing is believing" when it comes to backing up his belief that "green" is the responsible way to go.

"I wanted to put a working solar model in the area with the greatest concentration of retirees in the Southwest," he said. "The residents can go to the Sun City West Solar Project House (12625 Brandywine Drive) and actually see the improvements, how they are installed, how they work and how well they work."

Stevens said the idea for the project house, which features a VELUX solar-powered hot water system, skylights and a solar powered golf car isn't bereft of misconceptions.

"(It) is challenging, convincing the senior that the cash outlay for the purchase of the products not only will directly and tangibly benefit them financially but also the next resident of the house ... and indirectly their children and grandchildren with less pollution and energy use," he said.

In the next two months the house will be equipped with a photovoltaic solar-electric system and high efficiency air conditioning.

"The goal of the Sun City West project house is to prove how viable solar energy is to residents of a community who wouldn't otherwise think much about the investment," Stevens said. "The idea is to give the senior resident the option of being completely energy independent or substantially less dependent."

Stevens has been interested in solar power and alternative energy since the 1970s and began his company several years ago based on the premise that solar power "is the right thing to do," he said.

"(My goals) are to educate the public and private sectors of the long-term benefits of alternative energy and sustainable building," he said. "To bring affordable housing and energy to all parts of the world (and) to build more energy efficient sustainable structures and communities."

The benefits of switching to solar powered systems like in the Sun City West project house are numerous, Stevens said.

"(There are) lower energy costs, less dependence on foreign oil, less pollution," he said. "It is really emotionally gratifying to do something that will benefit so many. With the abundant sunshine in Arizona, it just makes sense to harvest the sun."

Stevens said he sees a lot of opportunity in the Sun City retirement communities, especially involving the usage of solar powered golf cars.

"I would like to see all of the electric golf cars add on the solar-charging system and all the owners of the gas cars switch to solar-powered golf cars," he said.

And even small changes to "green" energy and products can be beneficial, Stevens said.

"(Residents) don't have to plaster the whole roof with panels, just add a few panels to lessen their demand," he said. "If even a few convert it benefits us all."

Solar Green Co. will provide a consultation service for its solar powered products. For information or product purchase, visit www.solargreencompany.com or call 602-751-4193.

Erin Turner may be reached at 623-876-2522 or eturner@yourwestvalley.com.