Phoenix Housing for Veterans & Homeless Powered by Solar

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience
Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience
April 6, 2015
2 min read

Verde Villas' system comprises 325 SolarWorld modules split between rooftop and custom-built steel parking structures.

Sun Valley Solar Solutions has partnered with Catholic Charities Community Services of Arizona to bring affordable, sustainable housing to veterans and formerly homeless families.

Verde Villas, a multi-family complex in the city’s Arcadia district, opened its doors in 2014 after an extensive renovation. The property was completely reborn thanks to the efforts of Catholic Charities Community Services in partnership with the Foundation for Senior Living and Chandler-based Sun Valley Solar Solutions.

Sun Valley Solar Solutions joined Catholic Charities Community Services to provide both funding and design and installation services for the 91kW solar array. As Steve Capobres, VP of Business Development at Catholic Charities, explained, the organization has long advocated for green-friendly housing. “Solar and other green initiatives enable us to dramatically reduce our operating costs – freeing money that goes directly back to support our programs.”

The Sun Valley Solar Solutions system comprises 325 SolarWorld modules split between rooftop and custom-built steel parking structures. Commissioned in late 2014, Verde Villas’ new solar energy plant is projected to produce 155,402 kWh per year or nearly 60 percent of the facility’s overall electricity needs.

 

Verde Villas Solar Structure_SunValleySolar Custom support structures provide additional solar capacity and shaded parking for Villa residents.

The entire renovation was overseen by the Arizona non-profit Foundation for Senior Living (FSL), which manages the property on behalf of Catholic Charities Community Services.

“Sun Valley Solar Solutions was a real partner from start to finish,” stated FSL’s Chief of Real Estate Services, Steve Hastings. “They took the time to understand the nature of our mission and then guided our entire team through a process that allowed us to understand the environmental benefits and financial savings that only solar can provide.”

Hastings also gave high marks to the Sun Valley Solar Solutions design and installation team. “Everything was handled with the utmost professionalism. Communication was excellent, and the project was delivered on schedule and within budget.”

Sun Valley Solar Solutions CEO Russ Patzer adds, “SVSS was founded in Arizona, and all our employees make their home here. The residents of Verde Villas are our friends, neighbors, and family. We are exceptionally proud to partner with Catholic Charities on this project and we are pleased to know that our technology will help free resources for charitable programs across Arizona.”

About the Author

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

After working in technology marketing throughout the Pacific Northwest and Silicon Valley for more than 20 years, Kyle opted to follow his heart and focus his talents in solar energy.

As the head of Marketing at Sun Valley Solar Solutions, Kyle works hard to demystify the ever-changing solar landscape in Arizona and across the country. He especially enjoys helping people separate fact from fiction by presenting solar transparently and accurately, rather than relying on hype or deceptive marketing tactics that are far too common with some solar companies.

When not touting the benefits of solar, encouraging his friends to opt for paper over plastic, or growing his own vegetables, Kyle is generally found hiking with his pointer Bravo or preparing a home-cooked meal for friends.

“If you truly understand how solar works it’s easy to see through the gimmicks. The opportunity for savings is very real when you have the correct information”