PAYBACK FOR SOLAR HOMES AND FARMS Posted on June 1, 2014 Homes with solar-power system using photovoltaic (PV) panels sell for an average 24,705 more than homes without PV systems, research finds.By Sanette Tanaka, The Wall Street Journal Etta Kantor's four-bedroom, Adirondack-style home in New Canaan, Conn., was recently listed for 4.5 million. It comes with a trove of luxury features-gourmet kitchen, gazebo, pool and spa. Another top selling point: 48 silicon solar panels mounted on the ground. The 10.8-kilowatt photovoltaic panels nearly offset Ms. Kantor's entire electric bill, covering her house, pool and electric car, leaving her with a bill of less than 100, on average, a month. But the bigger premium may come at sale time: New research finds that homes with photovoltaic (PV) systems sell for an average 24,705 more for a typical 3.1-kilowatt system than homes without PV systems, says lead author Ben Hoen, a researcher at Berkeley Lab in California. Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using solar panels made of semiconductor materials. These systems differ from various other solar-heating systems, which use the sun's energy to generate heat. The systems aren't cheap. A 6.1-kilowatt system spanning 350 square feet costs about 28,000 for parts and installation, though tax incentives may help offset the cost, says the Solar Energy Industries Association, a trade group. [NOTE: System prices in Ohio are lower - here, 28,000 would buy you a 9-10kW system, and a 6kW system could go for under 20,000, fully installed and commissioned - those prices before the 30% federal tax credit in law now through 2016.] The post Increase Home Value, Farm Value appeared first on Ohio Farm Solar.
