Building for a greener future: How to incorporate renewable energy sources into new homes
Energy efficiency has become one of the most sought-after features among today’s home buyers.
According to a 2020 survey eco-conscious buyers place a premium on elements such as ENERGY STAR-rated windows and appliances, efficient lighting, and an overall ENERGY STAR-rated property. Beyond reducing utility bills, these measures can also help to future-proof a home against rising energy costs.
Integrating renewable energy technologies into both new builds and home remodelling projects, highlighting the financial and environmental advantages that come with making a property more sustainable.
The rewards of integrating renewable energy
Investing in renewable energy systems brings both financial and environmental gains. Solar panels, for instance, come at a higher initial cost, but their long-term savings can outweigh that expense by significantly reducing household energy bills. Over the lifetime of the system, energy-efficient installations can pay for themselves and help to lower a home’s overall carbon footprint.
A whole-house systems approach
Whether you’re undertaking a full build or a smaller refurbishment, industry professionals recommend viewing the home as an interconnected system. Begin by commissioning an energy audit, which helps identify current energy usage patterns and pinpoints areas ripe for improvement.
Key electrification strategies can include:
• Sizing electrical panels to accommodate an electric vehicle (EV) charger.
• Adding a dedicated charging outlet, even if you don’t currently own an EV.
• Constructing all-electric properties to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Designing electrification-ready homes that can be upgraded to fully electric systems in future.
Green building certifications are also worth considering. These above-code standards, such as the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) in the United States, assess sustainability across multiple areas, including resource efficiency, water use and indoor environmental quality. Projects can earn Bronze, Silver, Gold or Emerald accreditation, helping reassure buyers that the home has been built to stringent eco-friendly benchmarks.
Going solar: costs and considerations
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems remain one of the most popular renewable energy choices for homeowners. Consisting of roof-mounted panels that convert sunlight into electricity, they come in two main varieties:
Monocrystalline: Made from single-crystal silicon wafers and generally offering higher efficiency.
Polycrystalline: Crafted from fused fragments of silicon, typically at a lower price point but with slightly lower efficiency.
A typical single-family home might require anywhere between 15 and 34 solar panels, depending on roof exposure, square footage and the desired level of energy offset. Solar panel costs in the UK vary, but in the United States they generally range from US$2.40 to US$3.60 per watt—installation included. While initial outlays can be considerable, a home solar system often contributes to lower monthly bills, especially during warmer months.
For those concerned about the upfront expense, financing avenues include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) or even Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programmes in some regions, all of which can spread or reduce costs, making solar installations more accessible.
Harnessing water-saving technology
A ‘total hydrology’ mindset views water as a key element in sustainable home design, mapping out how to best capture, store and reuse water resources on-site. By incorporating water-saving fixtures—such as low-flow toilets, showerheads and taps—alongside ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and carefully planned plumbing, you can significantly reduce both utility costs and environmental impact.
Looking ahead
“We often forget that monthly utility bills form an integral part of overall homeownership,” notes builder and remodelling specialist Heather Laminack from Texas, pointing out that high temperatures frequently drive a surge in solar adoption. Indeed, as property owners everywhere grapple with energy costs, installing renewable solutions has become more of a long-term investment than a luxury.
Shifting regulations, evolving technologies and rising demand make sustainable building practices increasingly vital. By embracing a whole-house systems approach, obtaining the right certifications and considering on-site solar or other green technologies, both home builders and buyers can lock in energy savings for the decades to come—while helping protect our planet.
