Solar Power Homes

Solar power homes. Do they fill the need for free, clean, renewable, and eco- friendly energy?

They cannot fill the need for FREE energy, despite statements to that effect. Initial costs of solar power homes are too steep for the bank accounts of many. Once the photovoltaic (PV) panels and other elements of a solar home are installed, of course, the sunlight itself is free. But how many years will it take to recoup that initial investment? Will solar homes someday be within the scope of reality for everyone?

Solar Power Homes’ Initial Cost

The initial cost of solar power homes depends on a number of factors. How large is the solar home? Is the solar home being purpose built to that end, or is it being converted to a solar home? Is the landscaping oriented to solar power? Is the solar home to be in a good “solar” climate?

A house that is purpose built to be a solar home will initially cost a little more than a conventionally built house. The cost will be affected by your decision to have the solar home tied to the grid or off the grid. The list below is not all-inclusive, but gives an idea of items needed.

* Photovoltaic (PV) Panel System: Size of the system depends on your usage. An average, 3,000 watt grid-tie system we priced cost about $20,000 for everything – before installation. A 1080 watt off grid system for an average solar home was offered at $10,000 complete, before installation.

* Solar Water Heater System: A system to preheat water going into a standard water heater will cost about $3000 for the same solar home.

* Trombe Wall: Composed of masonry, this solar home wall is covered on the outside with glazing. Sunlight passes through the glazing, generating heat. The heat is conducted through the wall into the solar home for heating, out of the solar home for cooling. Costs will depend on size of wall, masonry, glazing, and labor.

* Solar Sun Room: This large room on the south-facing (in the northern hemisphere) side of the solar home has large expanses of un-shaded vertical glass to collect solar energy. The collected heat is stored or passed into the remainder of the house for winter heating. This means your solar home must have a large “extra” room that a conventional house would not have.

* Fluorescent Light: A solar home will not use conventional incandescent light bulbs. More costly compact fluorescent light bulbs will reduce the amount of solar energy needed.

* Appliances/Electronics: When selecting appliances and electronics for the solar home, you select energy-efficient over those that offer more “bells and whistles”. You select propane or natural gas appliances over electric.

A good place to begin if you are having a solar power home built ground up on your site is to choose a builder who is committed to building 100% ENERGY STAR qualified homes. Such homes are energy-efficient inside and out. The initial investment will be more than a conventional home, as already noted. The on-going savings, however, can be passed down to future generations.