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Save Money Pairing Solar & EVs

Save Money Pairing Solar & EVs

Need more incentive to invest in solar? The upfront cost can be daunting, but long-term pay-off is well worth it. Powering your home with solar will not only save you money on your utilities, and help stabilize your monthly bills, but it can also save you even more money when paired with an electric vehicle (EV).

How long does it take to pay off your electric car with your solar?

Not as long as you’d think.

A Nissan Leaf, which is one of the most popular EV’s, costs around $30,000. If you bought a brand-new Leaf and charged it using your home’s rooftop solar array, you could pay off the car in 10 years from the saving on gas alone.

How many solar panels do you need to charge your EV?

Assuming you’re powering a Tesla Model 3, which uses 250 watt hours per mile, and factoring for 15% loss, then you only need around 3.7kW (10 panels at 400w) of rooftop solar to charge your car. That’s also assuming you drive around 15,000 miles per year. If you drive less then you, of course, could get away with even less solar.

If you’re interested in adding solar to your home, but still want more information about cost-savings & financing, check out this list put together by Ecotech Solar.

If you’re interested in building or designing a home, we would love to connect with you! Give us a call at (360) 872-6814 or contact us here.

DOE Efficient New Homes Program

DOE Efficient New Homes Program

The US Department of Energy has a new certification for newly constructed homes, focusing on promoting energy efficiency.

Every US Department of Energy Efficient New Home meets rigorous efficiency and performance criteria found in the DOE ENH National Program Requirements. Most types of new homes in the U.S. are eligible to participate in the program, and the homes are verified by a qualified third-party as part of the certification process.

Designed to deliver truly best-in-class performance, homes that meet the Efficient New Homes program requirements allow buyers to immediately recognize when a home has been certified through the rigorous efficiency and performance third-party verification process. The outcomes of that process mean homes include:

          • Energy-efficient heating, cooling, appliances, plumbing, windows, and lighting, which leads to lower bills and better air quality
          • Advanced insulation, air sealing, quiet window technology, and high-performance appliances, fans, and lighting that create a quiet, comfortable environment
          • Advanced building materials and products throughout the house that are proven to last.

    Peace of Mind

    Every Efficient New Home is fully inspected by multiple third-party, certified professionals. This means your home will meet and exceed the highest levels of performance—for everything from insulation to non-toxic paints.

    Better Living

    What makes an Efficient New Home different?

          • Air sealing to block dust, pollen, and pests. 
          • Construction materials with low or no chemical content. 
          • Water protection from roof to foundation minimizes moisture-related health problems and mold. 
          • Better indoor air quality
          • …and the list goes on and on.

    Best in Class Technology

    DOE Efficient New Homes exceed current building codes across every element—and some technologies are decades ahead.

    From high performance windows, to #energyefficient appliances, to future -ready infrastructure, you and your wallet will notice the difference with a DOE Efficient New Home.

  • To learn more about the Efficient New Homes Program go to the ENH website for more information.