A recent study from the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center’s study reveals that incorporating solar power for homes in all new-build houses will dramatically clean up the air in Texas and save billions of dollars in utility bills. With a carefully worked plan Texans could even be able to generate as much energy in the form of solar power as they need.

Building solar power for homes in the form of these so-called “net-zero” homes would cut Texans energy demand so much that the state could avoid having to build seven traditional power plants. Thereby, the simple installation of solar power for homes would save the people of Texas more than $5 billion.

Texas is currently known as the nation’s leading greenhouse gas producing state. Introducing this plan would be equivalent to cutting the pollution of more than 3 million cars by 2030.

Although it is agreed that tighter construction standards and government incentives would be needed to make it work, nevertheless, Environment Texas director Luke Metzger said, “We think it’s realistic. The technology is already available.”

It is expected that between 2010 and 2030, an estimated 2.2 million single-family homes will need to be built. The state could make huge energy savings if just 10 percent more net-zero houses including solar power for homes were built per year for the next decade. The plan means that, by 2020, all new homes would be built solar-ready.

For many years energy supply has been a huge concern in Texas. Right now, there are only a few net-zero homes in Texas. For example, in Austin, the construction of a 40-house net-zero is underway. The average house there is about 1,450 square feet. The average cost is $270,000.

Solar power for homes expert Chris Krager who is also the architect and developer of the project for the small firm KRDB said, “Years ago, when we were contemplating doing projects like this you had to convince people this was the right way to go, but we’ve reached a tipping point that you don’t need to convince them from an environmental level — but you do have to show it makes sense financially.”

As you might have guessed, the cost to install solar power for homes in this way is roughly 15 percent higher than a traditional home, but it is important to remember that these homes will be about 45 percent more energy efficient the savings eventually, so prospective homeowners will easily make up for the initial extra outlay.

Ultimately, the study shows that these net-zero homes would save an average of approximately $500 a year in energy bills. Now, that is not inconsiderable!

Add to that the idea that the state agencies are considering increasing efficiency standards and requiring utilities to provide incentives. A bill passed in the 2009 Legislature authorizes cities to offer incentives.

With an average $272,000 home, you a safely add on a further $55,000 to make it net-zero. However, with federal, utility and manufacturer rebates, that extra cost falls to $26,000. The biggest cost would be about 30 units of 3-foot-by-3-foot solar panels on the roof. Buying and installing them would cost about $37,500.

As well as the proposed introduction of solar power for homes, yet further energy-saving measures have not been ignored by the report. It calls for improved insulation, high-efficiency windows and light-colored “cool roofs” that can cut cooling and heating costs by as much as 75 percent.

All in all,this represents a huge breakthrough in the ongoing drive to increase the amount of solar power for homes. However, the final agreement still needs to be signed an d stamped. We recommend doing whatever it takes to support this for wherever int he world you are. Pressure put on the local politicians to force this through would be a good start. Maybe writing to the local papers expressing your support? You choose, but do support this solar power for homes breakthrough however you can.

Info via: washingtonexaminer.com

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