Anthem families make move, invest in green technology

STAFF REPORT ~ 6/22/2011
Anthem residents Skip Hoeder and Ginger Hoeder are in the process of working with SolarCity to convert a portion of their Anthem home to solar generated electricity.
With the help of a home energy audit The Hoeders have implemented recommendations that are now saving them between $25-$30 per month on their electric bill.
The Hoeders are part of a growing trend throughout the North Valley show an above-average interest in green technologies that save energy, money and the environment. According to recent data, energy efficiency upgrades and solar installations take place on a nearly daily basis in these areas.
Energy audits like the ones the Hoeders took part in, are a program of the EPA and the Department of Energy take a “whole home approach” to reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency.
According to the SolarCity website, audits help homeowners by conducting diagnostics that target vulnerable areas and provide recommendations for energy savings and comfort that may include minor home repairs or appliance upgrades. Once implemented, these changes can add up to big energy savings. In many cases, rebates and incentives are available which allow the consumer to receive an energy audit with little or no out of pocket cost.
The Hoeders have other changes in the works to further increase their energy savings, including the solar electric panels that will generate clean energy. That makes sense to the couple that has worked to be environmentally conscious for nearly 30 years.
Skip Hoeder, a stickler for numbers, mapped out a spreadsheet showing nine years of utility bills against the potential savings of his investment. He wanted to see real savings before he made the switch to solar electric. Skip feels he found just the right company after seeing SolarCity’s lease program.
According to Hoeder, “with each passing year the energy saving options become more cost-effective and more accessible.” The Hoeders also incorporated low energy usage appliances and clean energy systems into their vacation home in Show Low.
Anthem residents Andy and Louise Tobias, owners of Tobias’ Automotive in Cave Creek and Anthem are also considered early adopters of solar generated electricity. The Tobias’ also worked with SolarCity to equip their home with a comprehensive solar electric system.
Tobias now generates a large percentage of his own residential power from solar and started seeing cost savings immediately.
Tobias’ Automotive was recently recognized by Cave Creek Green as the first commercial business in the town to generate its own electricity.