Oregon is one of the more environmentally friendly states in the country, and even though it is not what most people associate with a sunny state, the advancements in solar technology still make it an ideal area to take advantage of solar power to help alleviate your energy bills. With the tax breaks now available, it is almost mandatory to integrate solar panels into the design of your custom-built Oregon home.
Reduced Energy Costs
The obvious benefit of solar panels is the reduction of your monthly energy bills. While there is an upfront cost to installing solar panels, the government is now offering some significant tax breaks, so you might as well take advantage of them to offset the costs. And yes, the solar panels can capture energy even during cloudy days, so you do not have to worry about the weather challenges in Oregon. Generally, the panels will last about 25-30 years, and they will more than pay for themselves over that time.
Environmental Impact
There is now a major concentration on renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so you will be doing your part to help the cause. By using solar panels, you will be significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels in your home, thereby reducing the home’s carbon footprint.
Increased Property Value
Today, solar panels are a feature that new homeowners value, so, if you plan to sell the home, the solar panels will increase the value of the home. By installing the panels, you are making it more economically appealing to potential buyers.
Energy Independence
We have all seen the stories in the news when the grids go down and homes cannot heat or cool depending upon the time of the year. When Texas was hit with unexpected snow a few years ago, a huge portion of the grid was down for about a week in the middle of the coldest spell of weather the state had. California sees power outages all the time. By installing solar panels, you are creating energy independence, so grid problems will no longer be your concern.
State Incentives and Tax Breaks
As noted above, state and federal tax breaks exist for installing solar energy. State credits will vary, but you can check the current incentives at Oregon.gov. Federal tax credits were at 26 percent, but they were to be raised to 30 percent. You can check the current tax incentives by the federal government at the Department of Energy website, Energy.gov.
Aesthetic Appeal
The days of big, unappealing solar panels that do not blend with the design of the home are gone. Today, solar panels are dramatically improved aesthetically over the panels that came out decades ago. Builders can integrate the solar panels into the design so they complement the design rather than stand out like a sore thumb.
Thinking about building a custom-designed home in Oregon? Better Build Now offers numerous managed residential construction services, including residential construction project manager and consulting services. For more information, give us a call at 888-402-4180.