Net Zero Solar Home: Savings, Benefits, & How It Powers Everything
The opportunity to achieve energy independence with solar power is now within reach of more homebuyers. By choosing renewable energy homes, Maine community members can reduce utility bills through solar while protecting the environment and improving their quality of life.
At Zero Energy Homes, we design and build solar-powered, net zero homes for residents who value sustainability, and we support the local economy by sourcing local materials. Explore the benefits of solar energy homes and the process of turning sunshine into usable electricity so you can make sure you are making the most informed homebuying decisions possible.
How Your Home Unlocks Free Energy From the Sun
It may be helpful to think of the sun as a giant nuclear reactor that releases powerful energy in the form of photons. Millions of these tiny particles travel from the sun to Earth in about 8.5 minutes. It may come as something of a surprise, but if we installed enough solar panels, these naturally occurring photons could meet all our energy needs.
Solar panels quietly capture photons and create DC power. Then a converter turns it into AC power to operate electrical devices and appliances in the home. When your net zero energy home produces more power than you use, the excess can flow into the grid. Utility companies typically credit homeowners for power, thereby reducing monthly bills during high usage periods. Here, you are not just switching power sources; you’re transforming skyrocketing energy bills into monthly savings and energy independence.
Can Solar Power Your Whole House?
A myth persists that solar doesn’t generate enough energy to power everything in a single-family home. Nothing could be further from the truth. Solar energy can power your whole house with proper planning.
An experienced net zero energy builder works with homeowners to calculate their electricity usage. A solar energy system is then designed to meet or exceed the amount of power singles, couples, and growing families need to run the following:
Indoor Lighting
Kitchen Appliances
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
Washers and Dryers
Televisions and Electronics
The everyday uses of solar-power energy are the same as drawing from the grid. The difference? Solar power provides a positive, sustainable impact.
Power-Packed Benefits of Solar Energy for Maine's Net Zero Homeowners
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar-powered homes can save people upwards of $50,000 over 25 years. A quality system that undergoes routine maintenance lasts approximately 35 years.
When coupled with a well-insulated, high-performance home, those savings are likely to exceed the national average. That means net zero energy homes turn an expense into a cost-saving advantage. These rank among the top benefits of living spaces powered by solar energy.
Lower Utility Bills - According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Maine residents pay among the highest rates in the Lower 48 states. The solar-powered energy homes Maine residents invest in can reduce or eliminate electricity bills.
Increased Home Value - The upfront cost of building a home powered by renewable energy is modestly higher than traditional structures. But when you factor in the costs of energy loss (poor insulation, air leaks through gaps and cracks, leaky ductwork, etc.) and growing electricity bills, net zero homes save money in the long run. And when homeowners decide to sell, energy-producing houses fetch more money on the real estate market.
Everyday Impact - There are some subtle energy usage differences between solar-powered homes and those fully reliant on the grid. Net zero energy homeowners in Maine typically adopt routines to run appliances and items that consume large amounts of energy during peak sunlight hours. By maximizing daily energy capture, homeowners minimize the amount of electricity they draw from the grid.
The ability to reduce utility bills with solar and increase property values is a powerful, cost-effective combination. By investing in a net zero energy home, Mainers can feel good about doing their part for the planet while keeping more of their hard-earned money.
Benefit From a Solar-Powered, Net Zero Home in Maine
At Zero Energy Homes, we specialize in designing and building beautiful, comfortable, and affordable homes that help Mainers reduce their costly reliance on the grid. Our locally owned and operated co-op works with high-quality materials from local sources.
Ready to learn how we can bring your affordable dream home to life? Contact us today and let's discuss how solar-powered homes by Zero Energy Homes can make a difference in your life.
