Benefits Of A Green Home Main Menu

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Solar Electric

Clean energy from the sun year useful life A typical home will have 2 to 10 kW of PV, which will produce 1100 to 1600 kWh annually per kW installed Solar Electric A wide range of mounting methods and orientations Trouble free; no regular maintenance required Tested to withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph and hail up to 1 inch diameter

How Solar Electric (PV) Works (1) Solar panels turn light from the sun into direct current (DC) electricity (2) The power is converted to alternating current (AC) electricity by the inverter for use in the home (3) Energy is fed to the home for immediate use Inverter Meter and circuit box You will need at least 200 sq. ft. of roof space and a southerly facing roof

Solar Electric System Sizes 1.75 kW System 10 panels / grid connected inverter ~2,450 kWh/year Offsets up to 31% of a home’s energy use per month. (Based on an average usage of 650 kWh / month) Pounds of CO emissions prevented each year ,307 Equivalent number of CO absorbing trees planted Pounds of smog & acid rain causing pollutants prevented Less equivalent gallons of gasoline imported each year

Solar Electric System Sizes 3.5 kW System 20 panels / grid connected inverter ~4,900 kWh/yr Offsets up to 63% of a home’s energy use per month (Based on an average usage of 650 kWh / month) Pounds of CO emissions prevented each year ,614 Equivalent number of CO absorbing trees planted Pounds of smog & acid rain causing pollutants prevented Less equivalent gallons of gasoline imported each year

Solar Electric System Sizes 5.25 kW System 30 panels / grid connected inverter. ~7,350 kWh/yr Offsets up to 94% of a home’s energy use per month (Based on an average usage of 650 kWh / month) Pounds of CO emissions prevented each year ,922 Equivalent number of CO absorbing trees planted Pounds of smog & acid rain causing pollutants prevented Less equivalent gallons of gasoline imported each year Main Menu

Payback Solar Electric (PV) System 2-10kW* residential……………..……. 5-7 years *Includes rebates and tax credits

McGraw Hill: The Preferences of Green Home Buyers: The Survey Says Main Menu

Key Demographics - Solar Home Buyers Buying mid to luxury market single family detached – cares about aesthetics on roof and in basement Cares about energy efficiency, wants visible and attractive solar -- making a statement Reduction in bills is often primary, shifting cost to mortgage important, locking in energy prices important, payback may or may not matter (Boomer, fixed income) Main Menu

Green Homeowner Benefits Home functionality – Increase consumer comfort 51% of green home owners are very satisfied with their purchase – Lower utility, maintenance and operating costs – Superior energy performance – Increase in home value Social – Owners are socially and environmentally responsible evoking pride of ownership 28% of buyers hear about homes by word of mouth More than 75% of green home owners are likely to recommend the purchase of a green home Health – Promotes healthy living atmosphere

Builder Benefits In Offering “Solar Homes” Roper Survey Company, May 2007 Almost 90 % of Americans said they want home builders to offer solar power as an option in all new homes. Two-thirds of those home buyers would pay a premium for homes already equipped with a solar energy system. 82 % say that a decrease in monthly energy bills is their primary motivation for installing solar power

Builder Benefits In Offering “Solar Homes” Roper Survey Company, May % indicated it was to reduce overall energy usage 77% to reduce oil dependence 75% because it is a secure source of energy 87 % of Americans feel that homebuilders should offer solar power as an option for all new homes (Sharp Electronics Survey…May 2007) 65% said they would pay at least $5000 more to have an energy efficient home (Conservation code council)

Builder Recommendation Important 78% of consumers agreed that, if their builder had recommended solar electric for their new home, they would have seriously considered it. ( NAHBRC 2007 National Consumer study )

Why Mainstream Builders Are Going Solar Product differentiation / Competitive advantage Increased revenue per unit Marketing and public relations opportunities Establishes position as technology leader Emphasis on energy efficiency Environmental concerns It’s the right thing to do Main Menu