Solar Design

Houseplans.com has teamed up with Mountain View, CA based Solar Designs, Inc. to produce a custom solar power design for every house plan we sell. Once you have selected your plan, you'll have the option to add a "Custom Solar Power Design" on checkout. Solar Designs will receive a copy of your plans and work with you (and your contractor if one has been selected) on the site plan for your new home to design a custom-tailored photovoltaic (PV) solar power system. The system will be designed to take into account your overall budget, the anticipated energy use of your new home, the local rate plan of your utility and all of the federal and state rebates that may be available to you.

Each system includes solar panels, inverter, mounting hardware, detailed bill of materials and installation video. Solar Designs will supply all the necessary hardware to you or your contractor at wholesale pricing, resulting in substantial savings over the cost of adding a solar power system to an existing home.

New home construction is the best time to go solar! See an example of a Custom Solar Power Design

Residential Installations

Wouldn't it be great if you could reduce your electric bill and get your power from a clean, non-polluting and affordable renewable resource?

Do you have access to good sunlight with minimal shading?

Do you have a roof or open space on your property of at least 150 square feet?

Would you like to 'lock in' your electric rates for up to 25 years?

Do you want to reduce your impact on the environment?

If the answer to all of these questions is 'Yes', you are a good candiate for a Home Solar Design.

How It Works

What is a Solar Electric or Photovoltaic System?

Photovoltaic(PV) Systems convert the sun's light into electricity. When the sun is shining, they are working. The more direct and intense sunlight you have, the more energy you will be producing. PV systems allow you to produce electricity in an environmentally friendly way. There is no need to burn natural gas or coal to produce electricity when the sun is available to everyone for free.

The main components of a PV System are the solar cells. When these cells are connected together, they are known as a "Solar Panel". When you take several different panels and connect them to the utility grid, you have a "Grid Tied PV System". Another major part of the PV System is the inverter. The inverter converts the sunlight energy into energy that is used in your home. This type of electricity is called AC electricity. It is the exact same electricity that you use in your home appliances, lights, computer etc... It is the same electricity that you currently purchase from the utility company too.

A PV System makes use of the electric grid by connecting to it. Currently your electricity comes from the power company through your electric meter to your home. With a PV system, you would now have two sources of electricity. In most states(more than 35), you are able to send back any unused power from your PV System through your electric meter to the utility grid. This excess power you produce will give you a credit from the utility company. This process is called "Net-Metering". You would then use up during the non-sunlight hours any credit you built up when you were over-producing electricity.

Financial Payback

1. You Expect the Cost of Electricity to Increase
2. You can finally stabilize your electric bill
3. You are eligible for state, local and federal incentives
4. You plan on financing your system over time
5. You can increase the value of your home

Going Green