Super-efficient, low-energy, solar-powered homes are not only cost-saving to the homeowner, but, in some cases, generate an income too.

Solar-powered homes are their own mini power plants that feed electricity to the power grid. When added to super-efficient home features such as dual-pane windows, high energy efficient insulation, appliances and fixtures, they can actually make more energy than they use, resulting in energy credits for the homeowner.

There is a growing market in the U.S. for net-zero energy homes, a home that utilizes a different energy source, such as wind or solar, to achieve net-zero energy use vs. consumption.

"It's too good to believe," said Dave Spencer of his net-zero-energy home in Gainesville, Fla. "Last month, his energy bill was $2.01 -- and that was just because of service fees -- after receiving more than $10 in credit for energy his home generated." said Paul Hagey in an article on Inman News.

Interest in net-zero homes has increased, but you will pay a premium.  "The price of their net-zero-energy homes are still $30,000 to $40,000 higher than those that are not net-zero-energy, said Todd Louis, vice president of the Florida based building company that built the Spencers home.  "but that margin is dropping with a decline in photovoltaic costs. The Spencers paid $250,000 for their home."

Eventually, you will see those costs come back to you.  "In 2009, U.S. homeowners paid an average $2,200 for energy use in their homes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy." The cost of solar energy has dropped 50 percent over the last two or three years.

Retirement Communities will see a boom in net-zero homes.  Shea Homes, a large builder in the West, announced last month that it plans to make net-zero-energy or near-net-zero-energy homes the standard model for new homes in all 10 of its retirement communities in Nevada, Florida, Washington, California and Arizona.

Homeowners can make their present homes more efficient now by making a few minor improvements.  "For about $1,000," says green-home consultant Jerry Yudelson, "homeowners can transform their home from poorly performing to within the top 10 percent echelon of energy-efficient homes."

• Add Insulation to your walls and ceiling and invest in energy-efficient windows. When it's time to replace any appliances, make sure they are Department of Energy rated as Energy Star models.
• Turn it Off!  Dad was right, turn off lights when not in use, use natural lighting during the day and practice minimal heating and cooling use, such as opening a window to let the breezes in in the summer and turn down the thermostat in the winter.

• Did you Know that the average TV uses half its electricity over its life when it is turned off? Connect all electronics to power strips that you can turn off when not in use.

Tax Credits:  Through 2016, there are federal tax credits available to refund up to 30 percent of the cost of a solar-energy system for homes. 

Long story short, being off the grid no longer means living in the back woods somewhere in North Dakota.  Home builders are jumping on this trend as buyers are looking to cut costs and change their impact on the environment. 

Finding an energy-efficient green home might be easier than you think.  Ask your real estate agent about low-energy, green features on your next home.

Read the full story at Inman News

See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's full list of green-home features and efficiency tips.

Posted in Buyer Resources, Real Estate Trends

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