Solar-powered homes are becoming more commonplace, and are an excellent step in the right ecological direction. That said, there are some aspects to consider if you’re thinking about investing in solar energy. Read on for some salient points about living by the sun.
The Sun And The Economy
As solar power has grown in popularity, the government has introduced incentives to help homeowners combat the once-high costs of purchasing and installing solar panels. And companies are springing up to rent you panels and cover the cost of installation. This means that your initial costs are smaller, but also that those third party companies reap the government incentives and may not always maintain strong relationships between you and your utility company.
The Sun And Your Roof
Roofs are the primary locations for solar panels, particularly on homes. Ensure that your roof has enough strength for the added weight of the equipment, and enough space for the proper placement (away from the edges, for example). The equipment comes with a lifetime guarantee so if the roof it’s on is already old, consider updating it before installation (which is an extra but necessary cost).
The Sun And Your Surroundings
A solar-powered home is all about location, location, location. Watch for tall and shady trees, or for high buildings that will shadow your panels and decrease or prevent their output. Look forward, too are there any plans for development in your neighborhood that would introduce such impediments in the future?
The Sun And Cloudy Days
The most obvious hiccup with solar power is that bane of a sunny existence: cloudy days. Location has influence here too: the climate of your area will determine how many panels you’ll need, where you’ll need to place them and how much energy you’ll be able to glean in each season. There are batteries you can purchase for collecting and storing solar energy but they’re still an expensive option. And solar power is still somewhat unattractive in the global economy because of how variable it is. Fossil fuels are more dependable, and therefore more marketable, than an energy source so tied to the weather although that looks to change if solar energy continues its rise in popularity with the masses.
All things considered, there is a deep and growing draw to solar-powered homes, but don’t enter into anything without looking at all sides of the equation. If you have questions, or want to know more about how solar energy works in your neighborhood, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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7790 W Emerson Drive
Kirkland, AZ 86332
$475,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,593
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6668827
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NO HOA!!! This ranch-style hilltop home has million dollar, panoramic views for miles, nearly 7 acres of fenced and gated land, outbuildings, and potential guest house! You will love your full views of both sunrise and sunset, as well as the vast and powerful mountain ranges that fill the horizon. The peace and privacy you will find while listening to the abundant wildlife is unmatched. All your toys and hobbies will find a home on this perfectly situated property on the paved county road. The home is nearly 2600 sqft - with 3 large bedrooms, 2 bonus rooms, 3 full baths, an open kitchen with pantry, plenty of cabinet space, dining room, living room, and huge climate controlled laundry room that can double as an office, media room, or bonus space. Add to that a large attached 2-car Garage that has tons of extra space with shelves and built-in counters, well house and well equipment, detached exterior 16x12 shed (included with full-price offer only), and 600 sqft storage building with the potential to become a guest house or rental. New roof, updated flooring, and more! see attached docs for a breakdown of upgrades/updates. This town is a well-kept Prescott area secret! This peaceful location will allow you to take a deep breath and reset! 25 minutes (17 miles) from downtown Prescott and less than an hour from Wickenburg. If you are looking for rural yet convenient, don't overlook Wilhoit!
20725 W Colter Street
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$475,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,581
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6673074
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Tenant Occupied until May 20th. This Villa is a great full-time residence, or lock and leave, or an investment property generating $20K NET income per year. Villa is situated on an elevated lot with charming tree-lined walking pathway. Mountainside is the only gated community in Victory (55+), featuring private pool and social areas for residents. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen complete with designer-selected features from top to bottom including stainless appliances. You'll appreciate the 10' ceilings and abundant natural light. The family room has large dual pane low E 3 energy efficient picture windows looking out onto your private outdoor paver patio. An oversized super shower and upgraded surfaces highlight the spa-like owners bath. Two bedrooms AND office/den w French doors.
1741 W Paisley Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$475,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,863
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6673545
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Home Qualifies for No Downpayment Loans! Motivated Seller ~ Bring All Offers! Located in the VERY POPULAR subdivision CIRCLE CROSS RANCH in NORTH San Tan Valley. SUPER CLEAN & UPDATED MOVE IN READY 1 STORY Ranch home with 4 Bedrooms (4th Bedroom is Large Den) with HEATED POOL and BUILT in 2012! A HUGE greenbelt right across the street! LOW Maintenance Yards ATTACHED Extended 2 Car Garage w/ EXTRA STORAGE! Amazing Stacked Brick accent wall in living Room! LARGE Open Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances! All Appliances included! Even W/D! Tons of Walking/Biking Trails. Close to LOTS of shopping and restaurants. Easy access to Banner Ironwood Hospital, Minutes from New 24 Freeway!
3620 E Sumner Place
Rimrock, AZ 86335
$475,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,716
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6672634
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This stunning brand new 3 bedroom/2 bath home is in the pristine gated community of Beaver Creek Preserve in Rimrock AZ. Beautifully done Open floor plan with granite/quartz countertops, kitchen island, wood cabinetry and lots of storage and tile flooring. Private back Patio. Huge RV Storage! No RV? Then sky's the limit of what you can do with that space! Storage for your motorcycles, ATV's, Golf Carts! Turn it into a sports Room w/pool table, Ping-Pong, Man Cave, or add a platform for more storage, build a loft, Car lift.. really anything! Great private space between neighbor's min 20ft easements. Clubhouse offers pool tennis, Lounge area, BBQ for all you Friends and Family! Great location just off the freeway, Peaceful and Quiet! 20 min to Cottonwood, 25 min to Sedona, 1 hr to Flagstaff Lots of hiking trails, fishing and just beautiful scenery! ** Price reflects a 30K incentive reduction by using the builders preferred lender! **Come check it out! Make us an offer today and we can make it work!
