Solar Systems at the Mueller Development, Austin TX

Green homes at Mueller, Austin: How to get solar in a master planned community.

There are  economic and environmental reasons to consider putting a solar panel array on your Mueller roof.

Economic:

• Austin Energy gives up to $13,500 in rebates for the installation of a solar array.
• There are Federal Tax incentives which currently give back 30% of the net cost of a system after rebates.
• Velocity Credit Union are offering low interest loans for the system purchase.
• Austin Energy has net metering - the energy produced by your panels can be evenly traded with energy you need from the grid.
• You are locking in the price for a portion of your energy which makes you less susceptible to energy price fluctuations in the future

Environmental:

• Photovoltaic panels offer cleaner energy than that produced in coal, lignite or natural gas powered plants that provide most of Texas’ energy

The payoff period for the panels in terms of energy production varies with the size of the system, but there are illustrations showing between 5 and 12 years for a 3kW array.  Given the $4.50/Watt rebate maximum for Austin Energy is $13,500, the biggest system you could install would be 3kW to maximize your rebate.

The payoff period doesn’t take into account the value added to your home from having a solar array on the roof. If the system costs say $23,000 and you get $13,500 back and 30% of the difference, you have a $23,000 system adding value to your home for a cost of around $6650.

Putting solar panels on your roof is very different from adding a patio or upgrading carpet where you might expect to see a fraction of the cost returned. Not only do solar installations add value to your home, they are also income producing - they reduce your bills.

The steps you need to go through to get solar panels are:

1. Get a solar contractor to make sure your roof and site qualify for the Austin Energy rebate and get a proposal together.

2. Apply with the HOA modification committee asking for permission to change the outside aspect of your home. The plan allows for solar panels, so this should be a rubber stamping exercise

3. Give your solar contractor the go ahead and plug into the grid.

Garreth Wilcock is an Austin EcoBroker® with Keller Williams Realty.

Specializing in: Green Austin Real Estate and New Green Homes in Austin.

(512) 694 8873

You can search available homes at Mueller at his site.