100% Solar Powered Businesses

Online, March 11, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Tucson, AZ - Brooklyn Pizza Company and Sky Bar, located on Tucson's historic 4th Avenue, have become the first businesses in Southern Arizona to get 100% of their electricity from solar power. Brooklyn Pizza joins only two other restaurants, nationally, in this notable claim, while Sky Bar is the only bar in the country to reach this goal. The solar electric system is located on the building's roof and on three custom parking shade structures, which will also be used as electric vehicle charging stations, for both customers and Brooklyn Pizza's delivery vehicles.

Pia Carusone, chief of staff to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, greeted the installation enthusiastically. "It is exciting to see Tucson businesses taking the lead in the use of solar energy, especially when they are 100 percent solar-powered," Carusone said. "Congresswoman Giffords is one of the strongest solar advocates in Congress. She believes we can strengthen Arizona's economy by expanding our use of solar energy. We are producing more energy locally, from the sun - not from unsustainable, imported sources-than ever before," said Carusone.

Environmental and ethical concerns were the primary motivators for owner Tony Vaccaro in converting his popular 4th Avenue businesses to derive 100% of their electricity from the sun. "I want people to know that having a business that receives all of its electricity from solar power is not an unreasonable goal. Those of us in the Southwest should be spearheading this movement. The sun is the most powerful entity in our solar system, shining down on the Southwest every day; going solar is the logical, natural, intelligent, and responsible thing to do. We hope our efforts encourage others to follow suit," stated Vaccaro.

Designed and installed by Technicians For Sustainability, the 90.77 kilowatt (kW) grid-connected solar electric system consists of 323 SunPower high-efficiency solar modules, and is expected to generate over 13,391 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. This will reduce monthly greenhouse gas emissions by over 30,000 pounds and conserve 6,700 gallons of water normally consumed with traditional electricity generation. Any extra electricity the system generates is sent back to the utility grid, allowing the businesses to receive full credit for any excess electricity production on their following month's utility bill.

The financial outlook for solar electricity is also bright. Both Brooklyn Pizza Company's and Sky Bar's systems offer a three-year payback, more than a 15% rate of return, and these businesses are expected to save over $442,000 in utility costs over 25 years. Mr. Vaccaro's actions illustrate that small business owners, which make up the largest portion of Arizona's business sector, are becoming increasingly aware of the numerous financial benefits associated with solar energy.

The solar achievement will be celebrated at 534 N. 4th Avenue, 85705 at 1:00 pm on March 16th at a media event attended by Mayor Bob Walkup, Council Member Steve Kozachik (Ward 6) Bruce Plenk (City of Tucson Solar Energy Coordinator), Betty Stamper (Pima County Regional Solar Coordinator) Jennifer Cox, (Director of Operations for Congresswoman Giffords) Jose Miranda (Congressman Grijalva's Outreach Director) Mark Romito (Tucson Electric Power) and Kevin Koch (Technicians For Sustainability).
"Having businesses that are 100% solar is a wonderful development in Tucson and fits with our Solar America City designation and Tucson's solar tradition. I'm proud to see the leadership provided by these businesses in going solar. What a wonderful example for other businesses on Fourth Avenue and around the City. Congratulations to SkyBar and Brooklyn Pizza." says Bruce Plenk, City of Tucson Solar Energy Coordinator.
About Brooklyn Pizza
Established in 1996 on Tucson's historic 4th Avenue, Brooklyn Pizza Company quickly became a local favorite. It provides top-notch pizza in a happy, fun, and lively environment. Their goal is to make every dining experience an enjoyable one, with prompt service, high quality food, and fair prices. For more information visit www.brooklynpizzacompany.com

About Sky Bar
Established in 2009 on Tucson's historic 4th Avenue, Sky Bar is a solar powered cafe by day, astronomy bar by night. Nightly astronomy shows with deep space images displayed from their own telescopes. Premium coffee, breakfast served, happy hour every evening, live music, serious stargazing. For more information visit www.skybartucson.com

About Technicians For Sustainability
Technicians For Sustainability (TFS) is a locally owned, mission-driven business, committed to walking their talk. They provide businesses, public institutions, and residential homeowners with high quality, clean, renewable energy systems, helping to translate environmental values into practical reality. The company employs proven technologies to meet customers' specific needs, including solar electricity, solar hot water heating, and water harvesting. TFS has installed over a megawatt of solar power in southern Arizona. For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit www.tfssolar.com
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