{9/16/10} Update! Looks like a family in Loudoun County is going Green with solar panels! Congrats!! — Click here for article.
It’s been over 20 years since the White House had solar panels on it’s roof. Companies like Sungevity have offered free solar panels for the White House valued at $107,900 which would reduce the White House energy bill by 81%. That’s a no brainer! Put it up now! Click here for USAToday article on installation at the White House.
How much does it cost the average person to put solar panels up on their roof? After a little research here are some figures to get you thinking about going greener. Not everyone gets a tax refund but for those who do; wouldn’t going green be a great way to spend it???
AstrumSolar – average sized system (500 square feet): cost after tax benefits and available grant $ = $12,000 (click here to run your own estimate)
Sungevity – give them a call to get a quote. Check out their FAQ regarding solar panels.
Or you can just do an old fashioned Google Search for residential solar panels and buy them yourself. Installation is another story!
*Don’t forget the SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) solar panels will generate; it’s like stockpiling energy with your energy provider and receiving credits = SAVINGS!!! Many states require that the utility companies generate a certain amount of renewable energy. In order to meet their quotas your utility company may buy them from you!!
*Don’t forget government tax benefits!! RESIDENTIAL RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDITS: Consumers who install solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016; the previous tax credit cap no longer applies.
*Besides going “Green” don’t forget the value solar panels will add to your property!
“According to this study, residential real estate markets assign to energy-efficient homes an incremental value that reflects the discounted value of annual fuel savings. The capitalization rate used by homeowners was expected to 4%-10%, reflecting the range of after-tax mortgage interest rates during the 1990s and resulting in an incremental home value of $10 to around $25 for every $1 reduction in annual fuel bills.” The Appraisal Journal
Please note that Prudential Carruthers Realtors is NOT endorsing any of the above listed companies in any way. Please research and verify all information thoroughly before proceeding with any solar panel installation.
[...] Read the original here: Solar Panels: A Greener White House….How About Your House … [...]
You make some very good points about going solar. I work with Sharp and have been doing some research on solar panels for the home. It’s important that people do all of the research before they take the next step and go solar. You obviously have done that and its nice to hear of other success stories as i think it only encourages more people to take notice and make the change for themselves. solar Panels for Homes
Hello Janice!
It seems like such a huge project but the return seems to be worth the investment. Wouldn’t it be great if all new construction homes were manufactured with solar panels already installed? Talk about taking a giant step towards “Green” and creating a wealth of renewable energy! We would love to hear about any suggestions you may have!