Solar Energy and Home Renovations: What to Consider

Whether you’re upgrading your residence before listing it on the market or making changes to improve personal livability, installing solar panels during home renovation can lead to a wealth of benefits. This renewable energy source can lower your monthly utility bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your property more desirable to potential buyers. 

Join us to learn how solar power can enhance your residence and what makes solar energy the ultimate home upgrade. 

Benefits of Solar Energy in Home Renovations

You’ll find plenty of reasons to consider solar during your improvement projects. Here are some of the notable benefits of solar energy in home renovations: 

Environmental Benefits

The US utility grid sources most of its energy from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, emitting tons of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals into the environment. Switching to solar is a major step in the fight against climate change. Solar offers an eco-friendly alternative to grid-sourced electricity that generates usable energy from the sunlight your home already receives, helping you minimize your carbon footprint and encourage a more sustainable future. 

Cost-Effectiveness

The up-front costs of a solar installation may seem high, but a number of financial incentives can lower your costs over time. A prolific solar array can generate most of the electricity required to keep your home up and running. In fact, you may be able to save up to 100% on your monthly energy bills by installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on your roof or in your yard. Here are some of the other financial incentives for solar energy:

• Federal Investment Tax Credit: A 30% tax credit for those who purchase a solar system.
• Rebates: Many state and local governments offer property tax exemptions for sustainable home renovations like solar energy. Utility companies and environmental organizations may offer rebates and financial incentives for your installation. 
• Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): Sell renewable energy credits to businesses looking to offset their carbon footprints. 
• Net Metering Programs: Sell surplus energy back to your utility provider for other customers to use. 

Energy Independence

The US electrical grid is beginning to show its age. Existing infrastructure can’t always keep up with heavy demand. Increasingly powerful weather events further threaten its resiliency. Solar energy allows you to take control of your energy supply, which benefits you and others who rely on the grid. Reducing your dependence on utility companies helps insulate you from rising energy costs and offers a buffer against system failures and blackouts. 

Increased Property Value

If you’re looking for a home renovation project with a substantial return on investment, you’ll want to consider installing a solar energy system. In addition to the financial incentives listed above, this addition can also make your home more appealing to potential buyers thanks to long-term savings potential. Studies have found that renewable energy systems can increase property value by as much as 5.4%. 

Low Maintenance and Durability

With minimal maintenance, your solar panel array can last well over 25 years. Routine cleaning and inspections are typically the only upkeep required to ensure optimal performance. You can take things a step further by monitoring your energy production to identify performance trends and recognize potential issues before they become significant problems. 

What Are the Best Types of Solar Energy Systems for Home Renovations?

The right solar energy system for your home renovation will depend on a number of factors, including your location, energy needs, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

Grid-tied Solar Systems

Most homes in the US are connected to the local utility grid. You can install a solar panel array for your primary energy needs while still having backup power through your utility company when needed. 

Benefits

A rooftop solar array offers easy installation and lower upfront costs than large off-grid setups. In fact, grid-tied solar arrays are often the most affordable option. If your utility company offers net metering, you can interconnect your solar energy system with the grid to sell surplus electricity back to your provider for other customers to use. 

Considerations

Grid-tied systems also present a couple of notable drawbacks. Without battery backup, you won’t have access to solar energy during a blackout. That’s because grid-connected solar arrays could threaten the safety of line workers by feeding electrical currents back into the grid as they work to restore power. 

Additionally, the benefits of net metering depend on your grid’s utility regulations and reimbursement policies. Not all providers offer net metering or similar setups, and those that do may adjust energy exchange rates over time. 

Off-grid Solar Systems

Off-grid solar energy systems are completely independent from the electrical grid, making them a great home renovation choice for those seeking maximum sustainability. 

Benefits

Homeowners in remote areas and those seeking complete energy autonomy may benefit from an off-grid solar setup that provides 100% of their electricity needs. These larger-scale photovoltaic arrays often include ground-mounted panels and ample battery storage for 24/7 power access without relying on a third-party utility provider. 

Considerations

Off-grid solar arrays are more substantial than supplementary systems and require battery storage to ensure access to electricity around the clock and during stormy weather, making them more expensive than alternative solutions. Since they’re typically your only energy source, they may demand more maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance. 

Hybrid Solar Systems

For the best of both worlds, consider installing a hybrid solar energy system during your home renovation. These arrangements include interconnectivity with the grid as well as backup battery storage. 

Benefits

Many homeowners find that hybrid solar energy systems are the perfect home renovation project for unrivaled peace of mind. They allow access to the utility grid, an eco-friendly electricity source, and the ability to use backup solar energy during grid disruptions and backouts. 

Considerations

Combining technologies may require a more complex installation process and higher upfront costs compared to a standard grid-connected system. 

Solar Power Home Upgrades: Maximizing Efficiency in Renovations

Ready to make the most of solar energy during your home renovation? Here are the best ways to enhance efficiency and reduce long-term costs: 

Integration with Energy-Efficient Appliances

Replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient alternatives can lead to substantial savings and a smaller carbon footprint. When your refrigerator, HVAC system, water heater, and other appliances require less energy, you’ll have more available solar power to sell back to your utility provider in exchange for energy credits. It will also improve your carbon footprint and further reduce harmful emissions. 

Smart Home Solar Integration

Solar energy and smart home technologies are a match made in heaven. By installing intelligent thermostats, lighting, security systems, and locks – and linking them to a smart hub like Google Home or Amazon Alexa – you can automate various systems to reduce energy waste and maximize your savings. When planning a home renovation, consider incorporating smart home technology along with your solar energy system for peak performance. 

Upgrading to Solar Batteries

Don’t underestimate the advantages of modern solar batteries in your renewable energy setup. These devices store extra power generated by your panels for use during blackouts, times of peak time-of-use rates, and at night. If you’re unable to participate in net metering or you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, a solar battery can make a big difference in the perks you enjoy from your solar installation. 

Many advanced models incorporate features like artificial intelligence, energy management, real-time monitoring, grid interaction, and load shifting to help you make the most of the renewable energy generated by your system. 

Key Considerations for Solar Energy in Home Renovations

Is it worth adding solar panels during a home renovation? Here are a few final considerations to keep in mind as you weigh your options: 

Cost Considerations

Before tax credits, rebates, and other incentives, a solar array can cost between $15,000 and $30,000, but the average PV system returns 125% of these costs within the first five to seven years. You could see a 500% ROI after 20 years. Most reputable solar installation companies will offer various financing options to ease the initial burden, offering purchase and lease agreements to meet your needs and budget.

Whether you choose to purchase a solar energy system or enter a power-purchase agreement, you can expect significant savings and enhanced sustainability throughout the lifespan of your array. 

Roof Condition

Before committing to a solar energy installation during a home renovation, it’s essential to ensure your roof is in good condition. A structural engineer or qualified solar expert can inspect your roof for signs of wear before the installation process begins. Remember, your solar array should last 30 years or more. Installing panels on a roof that’s showing its age will only lead to higher expenses and major inconvenience down the line. 

Local Regulations and Permits

In most jurisdictions, you’ll need proper permits before installing a solar energy system on your roof as part of a home renovation. A qualified solar installer can help you navigate this process or do the work for you. If you live in a historic home or a community with an HOA, you may have additional restrictions on home renovations. Contact your local building authority or historic council for personalized information on your unique property. 

Maintenance and Longevity

Solar energy systems are a surprisingly low-maintenance addition to a home renovation. They require occasional inspections for damage and wear, cleaning to remove pollen and debris, and routine monitoring to ensure optimal performance. By performing these tasks throughout the year, you can expect a long, productive lifespan from your photovoltaic array. 

Aesthetic Considerations

No one will blame you for wondering how solar panels might impact your home’s curb appeal. Fortunately, PV technology has come a long way in recent years. Many solar panels on the market are more discreet – and more powerful – than ever before. Whether you choose monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, or solar shingles, you can anticipate greater sustainability without sacrificing your aesthetic preferences. 

If you’re unable to mount low-profile solar panels on your roof, you can opt for a modern design like a solar pergola or carport rather than an inconspicuous ground-mounted array. 

Climate and Location

Your geographic location and local climate can impact the efficiency of your solar installation. Homeowners in temperate areas that receive ample sunlight may see a faster return on their investment than those in particularly hot or cloudy environments. Consult with a trusted solar installation specialist to learn what you can expect from a solar array in your area. 

Adding Solar Panels in Home Renovations

Solar power home upgrades can offer substantial savings, greater sustainability, and a boost to your property value if you choose to sell your house in the future. Adding a solar energy system during your home renovation can also set you up for seamless integration with various smart home platforms to automate your home and encourage even higher savings and a lower carbon footprint. Of course, solar panels may not be right for every homeowner. At Solar Energy World, we’re here to help you choose the right renewable energy systems for your needs. Begin your journey to a more sustainable lifestyle today with a free solar estimate!