We are all living in paradise in Hawaii, enjoying the sunshine almost everyday. How unique the islands are when it comes to energy.
More Hawaii home owners should consider going green. We can see a lot of home owners are seriously considering green construction and adding new energy-efficient upgrades, and determining that the cost is worth it.
Hawaii Kai home (MLS# 1105900) with solar heater, available for sale at $1,795,000
Yes, the cost of going green is still an issue for homeowners, practitioners say—especially because the upgrades that can cut utility bills by the greatest amount are also the priciest. A solar water heating system can cost between $1,500 to $3,500 and solar panels can cost $15,000, but when used together, they can drop electricity bills to practically nil.
That’s one reason the price hurdle is getting easier to overcome. With consumer education, more homeowners understand the benefit. A recent study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that home owners who install solar panels on their home likely will recoup that investment, and maybe even more, at resale.
Federal and state tax credits are also helping sway the homeowner mind-set, and energy-efficient mortgages are another option to help home owners pay for costly “green” upgrades.
As real estate sales’ agents, we should educate ourselves and our clients more about going green to save energy, save the house cost, and improve the house value when it goes for sale.
Jessica L. Mugrage, RA, SFR
July 30, 2011
I agree that the cost of going green is hard to swallow. On Kauai, the costs are considerably higher. A solar water heater will set you back about $8000, which was the cost when we had ours installed in either ’06 or ’07. A photovoltaic (PV) system can run around $25,000 on Kauai. Even with the tax incentives in place, lower upfront costs and more grants are needed.
Jessica L. Mugrage, RA, SFR
July 30, 2011
I agree that the cost of going green is hard to swallow. On Kauai, the costs are considerably higher. A solar water heater will set you back about $8000, which was the cost when we had ours installed in either ’06 or ’07. A photovoltaic (PV) system can run around $25,000 on Kauai. Even with the tax incentives in place, lower upfront costs and more grants are needed.
How Much Do Solar Energy Cost?
August 20, 2011
How Much Do Solar Energy Cost?…
More Hawaii Home Owners Should Consider Going Green « Hawaii Real Estate Market…
How Much Do Solar Energy Cost?
August 20, 2011
How Much Do Solar Energy Cost?…
More Hawaii Home Owners Should Consider Going Green « Hawaii Real Estate Market…