Homeowners are increasingly turning to solar not only to save money and free themselves of grid dependence but also to increase the value of their homes. Let’s look at how installing a solar system achieves this.
The economy consistently ranks as the number one priority for voters in public opinion polling. The middle class has taken a beating with changes in the global economy, trade policy, and recent inflation. Taking control of a monthly expense is very appealing, and solar allows homeowners to generate their electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid. Solar translates to lower electricity bills and reduces the home’s operating costs, increasing the home’s value. Where Time-of-use rates apply, people using solar and energy storage can optimize it to take advantage of lower rates during the day and switch to stored power in the evening when rates spike, further saving on the monthly bill.
Nowadays, solar installers are being consulted in the design phase of new builds, allowing for a system that is not only integrated with the architectural design but is also incorporated in a more considered way to provide real efficiencies. Concealing connective wiring, conduit in walls and attic spaces, and sleek solid black panels are more visually appealing in modern homes.
Installation of retrofit solar systems requires more design work to blend with the existing architecture. Careful consideration of the conduit runs is essential, ensuring they are hidden internally instead of snaking across the roof. An array skirt added to the perimeter of the panels helps to hide wiring and components, resulting in a clean, neater design aesthetic. As a result, the solar system does not look like an afterthought or add-on but is part of the home’s design.
The demand for clean energy is growing, and solar panels on the roof demonstrate a commitment to sustainable living. According to a Pew research study, 80% of homeowners cited the environment as the secondary motivation (the first was saving money) for installing solar, and around 60% said they did so because it would be better for their health and their family’s health. To more homeowners and homebuyers, clean energy represents a necessary step toward a better future for the next generation.
Appraisers are increasingly taking solar installations into account when assessing property values. As the market realizes the long-term benefits of solar power, homes with solar are appraised higher. This adjustment reflects the property’s enhanced efficiency, lower operating costs, and increased desirability among buyers.
A solar system is virtually maintenance-free. Monitoring the production and health of the system can be done from a mobile phone, and installers worth their salt warranty the work they perform installing the systems for 25 years.
A study by Zillow found that homes with solar panels sold for around 4% more than homes without them. In Texas, the state provides a 100% property tax exemption for the added home value from solar panels. States with growing solar markets promote solar conversion with specific laws and incentives that benefit homeowners. These states are ideal for solar-powered homes and offer the best potential for higher property value. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) listed Texas 2nd only to California on the ten best solar market list.
With the increase in extreme weather events throughout the country, grid independence is becoming more critical. Stored electricity is available when the grid is down, keeping the home running until grid power gets restored. Battery efficiency has improved enormously in the last five years, and installation has become quicker and easier. This efficiency has made solar with battery storage accessible to more homeowners, giving them resilience to unforeseen interruptions in the power supply – indeed an attractive feature to a prospective buyer who lived through the Big Freeze of 2021!
As one of the first solar companies in Austin, we installed solar systems for the early adopters in the late 2000’s. Folks are no longer skeptical of solar power as many were back then. Nowadays, more and more people find that a well-designed and well-installed solar system adds to a home’s aesthetic appeal. Homeowners looking to sell a solar-powered home should keep the system up-to-date and in good condition. Home buyers interested in a solar home should get as much information about the system as possible from the seller and, where possible, have the solar company that installed the system perform a health check.
As we head towards a more sustainable future, solar stands out as a healthy alternative to fossil fuels, a way to gain energy independence, and a financially savvy decision in the real estate world.