Buying a Green Home

Solar Photovoltaic Power for Your Home

How Much Does a PV System Cost?

If you're considering going green with your new (or existing) home, one of your first questions is probably - how much is a solar photovoltaic (PV) system going to cost?  The answer can vary quite a bit, but here's some basic considerations:

Federal and State Tax Credits

In North Carolina, there are significant tax credits available.  You'll want to check with your tax accountant to make sure you're eligible.  Or, if you're working through Southern Energy Management, you'll be able to take advantage of their tax accountant, who answers these kinds of questions regularly!

So for some photovoltaic systems, nearly 70% of the system can be paid for by both state and federal solar energy tax credits.

What Size Photovoltaic System Will You Need?

The typical "starting point" for a photovoltaic solar power system is 2 killowatts.  To put this in perspective, a typical 2000 sq ft home uses 12 killowatts. 

Average cost per watt to build a photovoltaic system, start to finish, is $8-$10 per watt, with the price per watt decreasing as the size of the system increases, per Southern Energy Management, a nationally recognized solar power installer.

So a typical 2 kWh system will take care of a small portion of your needs, with a total cost of somewhere around $20,000, depending on site conditions and other factors.   This is before any tax credits or other cost savings factors.

What About Selling Your Solar Power?

The state of North Carolina strongly encourages the use of green power.  NC GreenPower is an independent, nonprofit organization that basically buys clean, green power (solar, wind, water, etc) from sources and "sells" it to average users who want to use power that's better for the environment.

Basically, you'll "sell" your solar generated photovoltaic power for about $.15/kWh, while paying approximately $.10/kWh for "regular" electricity.

In addition, you'll also get credits back from the power company, usually about $.05/kWh. 

So the electricity your solar photovoltaic system generates produces a "cash crop", while creating clean green power! 

Other Cost Breaks for PV Systems

Talk to your accountant.  There is also depreciation and a few other factors that may contribute to lower overall costs. 

You may also be interested in these New Home Green Building Topics:

NC Green Home Builders – Pittsboro Green Homes

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal Heating and Cooling Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas

How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget

WaterSense Toilets - How Much Water Do They Save, and How do They Work?

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Ways to Save Water - Rainwater collection systems

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

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