Energy efficiency remains a highly desired component among new and prospective home buyers. In 2020, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveyed over 3,000 home buyers on their preferred features, including eco-friendly components and designs. This preference continues today with high demand for ENERGY STAR-rated windows and appliances, efficient lighting, and whole-house ENERGY STAR ratings.
Integrating renewable energy in homes offers financial and environmental benefits. Energy-efficient systems reduce the home's carbon footprint, while materials like solar panels can pay for themselves within six to ten years, making them cost-effective in the long term.
A whole-house systems approach is necessary for any new home construction or remodel. This method views the house as an energy system with interdependent parts affecting overall performance. An initial step involves conducting an energy audit to assess current energy use and identify ways to reduce consumption and costs.
Common strategies for incorporating renewable energy into home building projects include sizing electrical panels for EV chargers, providing charging outlets, constructing all-electric homes, and designing homes to eventually use only electricity.
Green building certifications are also crucial. Certifying a project to a voluntary water efficiency rating system provides independent confirmation of installed water-saving practices. NAHB offers its own certification called the National Green Building Standard (NGBS), an ANSI-approved standard that demonstrates high-performance building in areas such as Lot Design and Development, Resource Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Building Operation & Maintenance. Projects can earn Bronze, Silver, Gold or Emerald levels after verification.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity using roof panels made of individual solar cells. The cost of a PV system depends on factors like square footage and panel type. Monocrystalline panels offer higher efficiencies but at a higher price point compared to polycrystalline panels.
A single-family home typically requires between 15 to 34 solar panels for full power generation. Panel costs range from $2.40 to $3.60 per watt including installation; thus, more energy production increases costs. On average, a 6-kilowatt PV system may cost around $12,700.
Heather Laminack from Austin notes that clients often choose solar panels during peak summer heat due to rising electricity bills impacting total homeownership costs significantly beyond just mortgage payments.
Financing options for PV systems have expanded alongside the green home building industry’s growth. Homeowners can take out loans, lease systems, engage in power purchase agreements (PPA), or enroll in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs.
Water-conserving technology is another essential aspect of sustainable residential power design. Total hydrology planning helps utilize all water resources on-site efficiently by aligning strategies with climate-specific conditions to balance supply and demand better.
Water-conserving fixtures like toilets and showerheads rank among top green features along with ENERGY STAR appliances and structural plumbing which save time on materials/labor while reducing utility bills.
For more information about green building practices visit nahb.org.