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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8410 E Chaparral Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$465,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,676
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6651453
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Spacious four bedroom townhouse in Scottsdale just minutes to the Scottsdale Greenbelt multi-use path, Chaparral Dog Park, multiple City parks, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment. Quick, easy access to the 101 freeway. This is a unique tri-level split floor plan. Two bedrooms upstairs with a full bath and two bedrooms downstairs with 3/4 bath. Main floor has an open kitchen, dining room, and sunken living room. Kitchen has granite countertop installed in 2023 and stainless steel appliances purchased in January 2024. Private back patio with storage space/laundry area. Covered carport parking for two along with guest parking throughout the community. Property features a pool and clubhouse. HOA maintains all public areas and landscaping. Listing agent is related to seller.
7640 E Globemallow Lane
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
$465,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,719
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6685645
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover your dream retreat in Gold Canyon! This one-story, well laid out home offers generous 9 ft ceilings, an expansive open floor plan of living areas. Spacious gourmet kitchen w/ stainless steel Kenmore appliances, 42'' upgraded cabinets & granite counters w/ barstool seating plus pantry storage! Admire the custom, desert design painted in 2023 perfect for primary home or vacation home. 5-piece primary suite boasts a walk in closet, plenty of counter space, dual sink vanity, soaking tub, walk in shower & enclosed toilet room. Step outside & enjoy low maintenance landscape w/ lush turf, custom pavers, quaint water feature & covered patio complete w/ ceiling fan perfect for bbq's & entertaining. Furniture can stay. quaint water feature & covered patio complete w/ ceiling fan perfect for bbq's & entertaining.
19425 N Guardian Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$465,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,834
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6685552
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Charming Desert Rose that will get your attention as soon as you drive up. Excellant curb appeal with palm trees, Walled Entery Way, Deluxe Landscaping and warm Exterior Paint. Open concept, floor plan with a fabulous kitchen which includes corian counter tops and island. Newer GE Stainless/Black Range Oven, Built In Microwave and Dbl Door Refrigerator. Maple Cabinets with kitchen nook for that cup of coffee in the morning. Custom Design Media Wall Includes a Lighting Package and Electric Fireplace. French Doors at Den/Office for privacy. Carpet in Den and Bedrooms with tile in main areas. Baywindow in Primary Suite creates a warm inviting space. Extended patio with Built In Propane BBQ Grill Island and water feature. Home is available furnished as an option.
19514 N 84th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85382
$465,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,448
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6694726
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This UPDDATED, end-unit Casita is a stunning ST THOMAS floorplan packed with desirable features. Both bathrooms remodeled - raised vanities, Granite counters, updated showers. Plank tile flooring throughout, complemented by custom floating shelves and built-ins in the great room with slate accents. Recessed lighting adds ambiance, and check out the unique, custom bookshelf with hidden storage! The primary bathroom has been reconfigured to enlarge the shower. Kitchen enhancements include Stainless Steel appliances, Quartz counters & windowsills, gray cabinets and under-cabinet lighting. Utility area with built-ins and Quartz counters provide a nice workspace. Windows and sliders have been replaced with Vinyl. Guest room is enhanced by a stunning slate wall and built-in custom cabinetry. You'll love the versatility offered by mechanical interior shades in the Great Room, mechanical shades for all 3 sides of the patio, and roller shades for the rear of the home. Covered area is expanded by the addition of a pergola with adjustable slats. With a new air conditioner in 2020 and a roof covered by the HOA, this home offers peace of mind and efficiency. Additional upgrades such as a new garage door and opener further enhance its appeal. Plus, the option to purchase most furniture outside of escrow provides an opportunity for seamless move-in and personalized touches. Come and enjoy the Active Adult lifestyle of Westbrook Village!
