A luxury home with stunning views came with one unexpected surprise, a utility bill they never saw coming.
When Gisèle Prieve and Robert Sherick found their dream home, they knew they had something special. After spending nearly fifteen years searching for the right place, it was the breathtaking views in Fountain Hills Arizona that made their decision easy.
"This is it," Gisèle remembers saying the moment she walked inside.
What they didn't expect was their first electric bill. With a 4,400-square-foot home, a swimming pool, and higher-than-average household energy needs, their monthly utility costs were far higher than anticipated.
"When we got our first bill, we just about fainted," Robert said. "That was the trigger. We had to do something about this."
Like many Arizona homeowners, Gisèle and Robert quickly discovered there was no shortage of companies offering solar. Finding the right installer, however, was another story.
A trusted friend and neighbor recommended Sun Valley Solar Solutions and introduced them to Solar and Battery Integrator Bobby Burnett. From the very first conversation, the experience felt different.
Rather than leading with equipment or trying to sell the biggest system possible, Bobby focused on understanding their home, their lifestyle, and what they hoped to accomplish.
"They didn't even talk about how many panels," Robert recalled. "They asked us questions. They looked around the house. It was the first time I thought, these guys are for real."
That consultative, education-first approach gave Robert and Gisèle the confidence to move forward, knowing the recommendation would be built around their needs—not a sales quota.
Cutting Energy Costs by Half
Only five months after installation, the results were already impressive. Compared to the same period the previous year, their electricity costs had dropped by approximately 50 percent—right on target. Better yet, Arizona's hottest months, when energy use and potential savings are typically at their highest, were still ahead.
"I checked this morning compared to last year," Gisèle said. "We saved fifty percent!"
For homeowners with larger homes and high energy demands, savings like these can have a meaningful impact on monthly budgets while providing long-term protection against rising utility costs.
Added Confidence with Battery Backup
For the Prieve-Sherick family, the battery system provides more than additional savings.
It provides peace of mind.
The batteries automatically store energy during lower-cost periods and help power the home when electricity demand is highest. In the event of an outage, backup power is available without any action required from the homeowner.
"It's nice to have just that peace of mind to know things are going to be okay no matter what comes our way," Gisèle shared.
An Experience That Went Beyond Solar
While the financial savings were significant, what stood out most was the experience itself.
As the founders of Legacy Transformational Consulting, Robert and Gisèle have spent their careers helping organizations strengthen customer relationships, elevate the customer experience, and build more successful businesses. Their work has given them a keen understanding of what separates an average customer experience from an exceptional one.
"The experience from beginning to end was just amazing," Gisèle remarked. "It was a fabulous experience."
Their Advice to Other Arizona Homeowners
When asked what they would tell someone considering solar, their answer was immediate.
"Save yourself the headache," Robert said. "Just call Sun Valley Solar Solutions."
For Gisèle and Robert, choosing solar was about much more than lowering their electric bill. It was about finding a trusted partner, gaining confidence in their investment, and enjoying the comfort of knowing their home is prepared for whatever comes next.
Watch Giselle and Robert Share Their Solar Story
See why the Prieve-Sherick family trusted Sun Valley Solar Solutions to design a custom solar and battery system for their Arizona home, and how they're already seeing significant savings while enjoying greater peace of mind.
