Achieving a net zero energy home has been a dream of mine for quite some time now. On the road to becoming a net zero home, a lot of energy efficient upgrades were added FIRST so that the size of my solar array could be reduced.
Building or retrofitting to Net Zero is achieved when systems can produce enough energy to offset energy usage. So this can be as individual as a fingerprint.
It's unlikely that two homes have the same energy usage, so upgrades vary by homeowner and energy usage. But one thing is constant, reduce your bill before you add solar panels.
Oftentimes, solar is the first option consumers consider as a way to reduce an energy bill, but it's actually one of the last components to consider for return on investment.
There are so many other facets of a home's energy "system" that should be examined before adding solar panels. Adding solar panels without doing any upgrades or building envelope-sealing techniques leaves you with the same inefficient building.
By updating systems and sealing a building envelope, better indoor air quality and comfort is achieved.
And the best part, by completing all of the low hanging fruit, ie least expensive updates and additions, the size of the solar system can be reduced and the overall ROI is reduced.
The first and most important aspect of changing an energy bill for a home is to understand your existing system components and which of them need improvement.
The homeowner should contact their utility company and learn if there are any incentives or rebates available for a Home Performance check up and any information relative to contractors of programs available.
If there aren't a list of licensed contractor who perform a Home Performance with Energy Star check ups, Energy Audits, available on your utility company website, visit the Energy Star site .
That contractor should have diagnostics and software to analyze your ducts, performance of existing systems, checking for every available method to understand your existing energy footprint. And the best part, results are independently verified.
With the results of that software you can understand the return on investment for each component of your home.
The return on investment can be anywhere from a year to seven years. Once those items are addressed either by sealing a building envelope or swapping out systems, you can analyze what's left on your energy bill.
In my case, I've performed every type of energy reduction method possible before considering solar panels. The items I've modified/updated that reduced my energy bill 71% BEFORE adding solar panels:
Duct and register sealing (Audit - 24% leakage)
Spray Foam (R49 vs. 5" of blown in cellulose)
New 16 SEER Trane HVAC (replaced 21 yr old)
Programmable thermostat
New appliances (replaced old w/energy & water saving models)
LED bulbs (replaced all incandenscent)
All tile floors (eliminate weekly vacuuming)
Sun screens on East/West windows -85% block
Light sensor porch lights
Water efficient appliances, faucets & showerhead
*At the time of purchase, the electric water heater was 3 years old. As soon as it fails, I'll be installing a heat pump water heater!
Adding a 5 Kw solar system purchased through a Public Benefit Corporation will eliminate the rest of my electric bill, which averaged $68 a month year round.
So today, the solar panels are creating as much power as I use in my home, offsetting the remaining electric bill.
A Public Benefit Corporation is described as a for profit company benefiting the public, providing social good, transparency and accountability. PBC's are offered now in 30 states as of this writing.
In this case, the solar company (PBC) plants trees, offsetting carbon emissions when they manufacture solar panels.
As a full time realtor specializing in sustainability, benefiting the public through education and focusing on client needs above and beyond selling them homes. Each home is evaluated and recommendations MAY be offered to lower energy bills, water efficient upgrades, and lowering a carbon footprint. If you'd like more information, please feel free to contact me!
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