Sixty-three percent of the participants in a survey taken in 2004 by the Environment California Research & Policy Center said they would pay more for a home with solar power. Fifty percent indicated they would pay $75 to $100 more on a monthly mortgage to have energy efficiency.
A National Renewable Energy Laboratory study of Zero Energy New Homes in the San Diego area showed that a home with solar and energy efficiency showed an increase of 42% in value compared to a standard home of 22%, which was the average resale value of homes in the area. (Source: David Springer, President of the Davis Energy Consulting Group, 2004)
A 7.8kW solar system will give you a return of 152% while a kitchen remodel returns only 75%. (Source: Andy Black, solar financial consultant and owner of OnGrid Solar Energy Systems)
The Environment California survey. A survey of homeowners in California asked the question of homeowners, “If you were to sell your home, do you think the solar PV system would be a selling feature?” Eighty-four percent of the respondents said yes, 15% said they weren’t sure, and 1% said no.
A recent study by ICF Consulting which was funded by HUD and the EPA stated that energy saving measures such as solar can add $20 of home value for every $1 of yearly energy cost savings.
Be Your Own Power Company
Why rent power from your utility company when you can generate your own power? Just like your decision to buy a home, a solar system locks in your costs and gives you a positive yield investment. Pay back for most home equity loans is 5 to 15 years depending on your system.
