Green Real Estate Appraiser

How to Choose the Best Solar-Energy Equipment

Posted on July 8, 2016 | Leave a comment

solar

Installing a home solar energy system is a smart financial investment for many homeowners. As you evaluate offers from solar companies, there are many different factors to consider – the equipment that you choose for your system, your financing options, and the installer that you select all have an impact on your solar savings. This guide will help you evaluate the different solar panels and inverters available so that you can find the best equipment for your home.

Will this be cost-effect or add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com they are the only appraisal company in Southern California that specialize in solar and green properties.

What is the Best Solar Panel for You?

You can evaluate solar panels on a few main parameters: production, durability and manufacturer quality.

The amount of electricity a given solar panel can produce will produce is dependent on several factors, including the power rating, power tolerance, efficiency and temperature coefficient. Taken together, these factors will tell you how much power your panel will be able to produce.

You’ll also want to look at indicators of panel manufacturer quality. Start with the warranties and assurances that the manufacturer offers on their equipment. Like all things, solar panels degrade and become less efficient over time. Many manufacturers will guarantee that the power production of their panels doesn’t fall below a certain threshold over twenty-five years. In addition, many panel manufacturers have a materials warranty in case the panels simply fail.

Most solar panels are very durable, but if you live in an area that has heavy snow or high wind, you should also be sure that the panels you install are designed to withstand the conditions in your area. Look for panels that meet the IEC 61215, a reliability standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). IEC 61215 uses an accelerated outdoor stress test for panels to ensure their durability.

When you evaluate panels on production, durability and manufacturer quality you’ll find they break down into categories. EnergySage’s ranking system, which takes all of these factors into account, sorts panels into three groups: premium, standard, and economy.

While some homeowners may choose to invest in the highest quality, most efficient “premium” panels, remember that those will come with a higher price tag. Going solar is a lot like buying a car: not everyone needs a Porsche! Conversely, if you want to save by buying cheap solar panels, your system may produce less electricity over its lifetime, reducing your overall savings. Only you know what is best for your home.

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Solar-Energy Incentive Programs

Posted on July 7, 2016 | Leave a comment

In addition to the generous federal investment tax credit of 30%, there are over 900 financial and regulatory incentive programs for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across the United States. While going solar is still a big decision with a pretty hefty price tag, it’s becoming more and more affordable, depending on where you live.

Considering solar and need to know if it adds value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your solar value questions.

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a 30% federal tax credit for solar energy systems, both residential and commercial. Originally set to expire at the end of 2016, the tax credit has been extended and will remain at the 30% level through 2017, 2018 and 2019 and then be phased out completely over the following three years, falling to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021 and to 10% in 2022.

There is no cap on the maximum amount of the credit. If the tax credit is more than your tax liability in the year you install the system, you can carry forward the excess amount and use it in the future. Allowable expenditures include equipment costs and labor costs for assembly, installation, preparation, and interconnection.

The tax credit applies to installations on both principal residences and second homes (even an RV or a boat can qualify as long as they are considered as a second home according to the rules of IRS).

Net Metering

Net metering is an example of a regulatory incentive for homeowners with grid-connected systems that allows you to buy electricity from the grid when you are not producing enough solar electricity and to sell your excess electricity to the grid for a credit.

In most states, you are credited for your excess electricity at the retail rate. However, recent policy changes in Nevada have resulted in a significant disincentive where solar electricity generators are only compensated for their extra electricity at the wholesale rate. After a considerable slow down in new solar system applications in that state, other jurisdictions are weighing the disadvantages of such a policy shift.

Local Incentives

Many states have put their money where their mouth is, by implementing incentive programs that truly make solar energy a better investment than sticking with the status quo (i.e. the local utility). These solar tax credits, rebates and other financial incentives can make the difference between a state/city being at grid parity or not, where grid parity is defined as the point at which solar electricity is the same or cheaper than electricity from the utility, calculated over the lifetime of the panels (on average 25 years). Now let’s take a look at three example states to better understand some of the main types of solar incentives available to homeowners.

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“Green” Patio options for lighting, and furniture

Posted on July 6, 2016 | Leave a comment

patio

The “green” patio furniture space has really blossomed in recent years. There are many great designs and styles to choose from, meaning you no longer have to sacrifice style to be kind to the planet.

One particularly interesting product is POLYWOOD. This manufacturer offers a range of attractive outdoor furniture. Similar to the recycled plastic alternatives I wrote about in my article on choosing eco-friendly decking, this product is essentially a wood substitute made from recycled plastic (predominantly milk jugs).

It resembles wood but requires none of the maintenance. It is also resistant to salt, oil and other corrosive substances, and you can clean it with soap and water. It’s expensive, but its 20-year warranty means it lasts long, so you won’t have to buy a new set every few years.

Plus, the minimal maintenance means there’s no need for applying sealants, paints or stains, helping keep those potentially toxic products out of your outdoor space.

If you live in a very hot climate, however, the plastic can get uncomfortably hot and potentially warp. In this case, furniture made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified hardwood is probably your best bet for longevity and low maintenance.

Teak is an excellent option, but whenever you shop for hardwoods, make sure they are FSC-certified to know for sure that they come from a renewable source.