President of John Wesley Miller Companies
BY TISHIN DONKERSLEY, M.A.
What sparked your interest in home building and solar energy?
I was born into a carpenter’s family. From the time I was 8 years old I was hauling doors around – I think building got in my blood. As for solar energy, I didn’t understand it at the time, but my grandmother would sit me on her window seat that faced south, and in the wintertime it would be warm.
In 1973, Pima County manager Ken Scharman asked me if I wanted to get involved in solar energy and represent Arizona homebuilders. I agreed. From there, I connected with Carl Hodges, who was heading up the University of Arizona (UofA) Environmental Research Lab. I’m still working with him today.
What was the first solar project you worked on?
In collaboration with Pima County and the UofA Environmental Research Lab, we designed and built a solar-heated house with a rock bed storage system, and we added a solar water heater system.
How has solar energy evolved from when you first started using it?
Today we have more sophisticated and efficient systems. I believe the increase in efficiency for photovoltaic is 10 times better now than in 1973. The efficiency of the panels increases from six percent to 30 percent, depending on the design and per unit of power generation.
How can a homeowner start using solar energy in an inexpensive and easy manner?
Homeowners need to look at the 30 percent federal tax credit and rebates from the state and utility companies for photovoltaic and solar water heaters. Now is the time to do it and within seven to 10 years you’ll see a net positive – then it’s paid for.
Before you install photovoltaic, I think you need to first look at insulation in your roof and walls, and the quality of your windows. However, a solar water heater system should be immediate, whereas photovoltaic takes more research and planning.
Are there plans for any more neighborhoods like the Armory Park del Sol?
Yes we are working on it. We are starting to market an environmentally sensitive land development, with 20 lots on 67 acres, and build high-end, energy-efficient custom homes that include solar electric.
What is the future of solar energy?
In the arsenal of renewable energy, solar will be the primary resource. I believe tax credits and incentives will increase within 10 years. I’d still like to see a goal achieved of 25 percent solar power energy generation by 2025.
We heard you are restoring a building in downtown Tucson. Can you tell us about your progress?
We added energy-efficient air conditioning units and additional insulation in our building. We installed a new roof and painted it white to reflect the sun, and incorporated LED lighting to the interior. We plan to add more photovoltaic and utilize our solar water heater as we progress.
Learn more about John Wesley Miller and his awards at johnwesleymillercompanies.com.
