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What to Expect in 2018 for Solar

By
Real Estate Agent with Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 SA5376460000

Solar is an ever present reminder for energy efficiency.  It's always top of mind for homeowners who think of it first for energy efficiency, even though the best ROI is lightbulbs!  

 

Solar continues to gain in popularity with more installations and reduced prices, so says this article by Energy Sage, "2017 Solar Year in Review."  As more installations occur for entire communities, single family and multi-family alike, production for solar panels has increased.  As production picks up, costs come down. 

 

Having visited new-build multi-family developments in Scottsdale, I can attest to solar panels being added to multi-family communities.  And our utilities are building "solar farms" which also exist in our cities.   

 

2017 was a banner year for solar and 2018 promises more momentum across the US.  Product development advances have been made and battery storage has come to the marketplace in some areas.  While it may not be available everywhere just yet in your area, watch for it. 

 

With the increase in solar, new products have hit the market.  Tesla's solar shingles is one example.  While the costs are high for most new innovations, I'm betting those too will incur price reductions as more interested homeowners install them due to rising costs for heating and cooling our homes.  

 

With the enormous impact that Hurricane's placed on Texas and Puerto Rico, expect to see renewed interest in solar, battery storage and related products.   Losing connection to power has devastated communities and the health and safety of residents is and has been at risk.

 

Due to new innovative products and services, the construction industry has evolved as well.  The desire to provide clean energy and better building environments for workers and homeowners has increased competition between builders and related businesses.  

 

In Arizona, production builders compete for business by showcasing their energy efficient homes' HERS scores.  More products like radiant barrier and spray foam insulation have increased installations in production built Energy Star homes.  HERS Index Scores are dropping, reflecting increased energy efficiency in production built homes.  

 

If you haven't been paying attention, it's best to learn about new and innovative products and services.  Homeowners are being bombarded with advertising of products and services.  

 

If you're looking for a real estate agent that understand energy efficiency, please contact mes!  I'm happy to consult and offer well-researched advice!

 

 

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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Jan,  I am glad to see the increased use and advancement in solar technology.  As we discussed at our lunch, our hydro-power rates here in Central Washington are so low, solar installations are cost prohibitive.  It makes total sense in your area, though, and I hope those who are energy efficiency conscious will contact YOU! 

Jan 07, 2018 06:23 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Jan Green I hope our days of sunshine increase to have those panels produce the energy they should....

Jan 08, 2018 03:07 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Yes Carol Williams you have a distinct advantage with hydro power - no competing with those low costs!  You guys are spoiled!  With the absence of water in the desert, solar does make much more sense!   Have a great day dear!

Yes, sunshine is important for solar power production Barbara Todaro .  Ever wonder how much wind power you get?  Check this link?   

Jan 08, 2018 07:22 AM
Barbara Todaro

Jan Green I'd like to read what you suggested....link doesn't work....would you be so kind to redo it.... I understand if you don't have time...

Jan 08, 2018 07:26 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

I'd love to have the new Tesla shingles...the slate to be specific. It's so gorgeous, but sadly won't pencil out for us at this time. Hopefully, innovation will become more attainable in the near future. Solar is a great choice in your sunny area...not quite as desirable here, but still there are some solar panel roof systems that seem to perform adequately. 

Jan 10, 2018 08:36 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Yes, there has been a revived interest here in Los Angeles too, in spite of sage advice from Realtors, lot of scams going on 30 year loans, 20 year leases etc .. grands from the state which in turn become liabilities at re-sale....

Jan 15, 2018 08:33 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I hear you Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD !  My roof ended up being 3 times the cost of replacement for Tesla solar roof tiles.  Yikes!  Sunshine does help us.  I bet you have other products that will work in your area.  Thank you for commenting! 

California does very well for solar per capita! You're #1 in the US  Endre Barath, Jr. !  https://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states

Jan 16, 2018 07:24 AM
Debb Janes

You did install the Tesla shingles, is that what you're saying? 

Jan 16, 2018 09:25 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

As obvious as it is, I hadn't thought about the benefit of solar when it comes to power outages. DAAAHH! LOL

 

Jan 17, 2018 06:47 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Most people don't think of solar going "dark" when the power goes out because we think that's what solar is for, but without battery back up - it gets pretty dark Sharon Tara .  Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

Jan 17, 2018 09:06 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Personally, I think solar should be utilized as much as possible. 

Jan 17, 2018 03:59 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

You are so right Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES !  It lowers energy bills and our carbon footprint.  Since our homes are the biggest contributor to carbon in the atmosphere, it only makes sense.  Now if we can just get the big utility companies to agree!

Jan 17, 2018 06:49 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

My wife has long been a cheerleader for solar, Jan Green ... but you just don't see it being implemented much in the Chicagoland area for residential homes.  I so admire anyone that understands and promotes it use though ... especially in the current political climate.  Your clients are lucky to have your knowledge and services at their disposal ...

Gene

Jan 18, 2018 10:49 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi !  I understand how you feel.  Most folks land here and say, "where are all the solar panels?"  Per capita we are now #3 in the US for installations.  Check this out:

https://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states

Jan 18, 2018 02:46 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

You're welcome Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi !  Just saw your reply.  Happy digging!


 

Feb 05, 2018 08:31 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi

Definitely will check out the link you provided, Jan Green ... and pass it on to my wife as well.  My heart tells me to go solar ... we'll see what possibilities are possible here in Chicagoland ...  thank you!


Gene

Jan 19, 2018 01:04 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi

Came back after reading the post link ... and have to say I'm pleasantly surprised at the number of "northern" locale states on the list.  Very progressive thinking and I'd be interested to see what the state itself provides in the form of green incentives.  Much to dig into!  Thanks again,


Gene

Jan 19, 2018 01:06 PM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Jan,

The SolarWorld bundles have come down in price quite a lot in the last few years. You can now get 30 US-made panels with inverter for a little more than $10k. That will make them pay off in a reasonable time versus leased panels.

Feb 05, 2018 05:59 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Yes Dorte, prices have and are still dropping.  Good thing since we lost the Federal incentive.  Incentives are not made for the entirety of a product, so it's great to see costs come down on energy efficient products as consumers purchase them. 

Feb 05, 2018 08:32 PM