Although adding solar energy systems to single-family dwellings can reduce utility bills and improve property values, a large installation's price tag sometimes proves prohibitive. Spending tens of thousands of dollars on state-of-the-art panels, wiring and equipment necessary to convert the sun's rays into lighting can easily exceed one's budget.
However, increasing your renewable energy footprint does not necessarily require elaborate solar energy systems. There are cost-effective opportunities available to set up DIY panels or replace grid-powered items with solar options. These are ways handy homeowners can reduce utility bills and enhance their quality of life.
With basic construction skills you can install many types of solar panels. Rather than feel uneasy about penetrating your roof, select strategic elevated spaces and underused areas on the property. For instance, securing the panels to a porch or veranda overhang is safer and easier to accomplish. Another option homeowners sometimes prefer involves ground-level systems that do not affect the house's structure. The basic project outline looks something like this:
Complete the panel installation by running the conduit, emergency disconnect and other items specific to the system. You can then power up select lighting, electrical equipment and others. By integrating strategic panels into the property, homeowners can power new elements or selectively take existing ones off the grid.
Solar panel and system manufacturers recognize the growing DIY popularity of these products. Everyday people can purchase complete kits with directions that are easy to follow. That being said, once a handy homeowner learns the nuances of these installations, the sky is the limit. The following rank among the more innovative ways property owners are reducing their dependence on the grid:
You might find that after doing the math that sustainable energy is a prudent choice. Adding up the utility bill savings, and increased quality of life delivers a substantial quality of life value.
As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I am well suited to assist buyers and sellers find the perfect property and location to suit their desired lifestyle. My response time is extremely fast and I can turnaround answers to follow-up questions pretty quickly. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market.