Eco-friendly homes are the standard of tomorrow as more homeowners are taking steps to make their living space more sustainable. Solar adoption is a top priority as a Pew Research Center survey has found that 8 percent of US homeowners have already installed solar panels, while 39 percent are seriously considering it in the future. The study also revealed that the main reason why most homeowners installed or are planning to install solar panels at home is because they want to save money on energy bills, apart from other reasons like helping the planet.
Indeed, green homes are the future since they combine climate resilience, energy efficiency, and healthier living environments. If you want to conserve resources and save on energy bills, think about renovating your property to integrate clean energy and prep your home for electric vehicle adoption. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while future-proofing your home.
Upgrade Electrical Infrastructure
If you live in an older home, you may want to consider upgrading your electrical infrastructure before making any changes to your living space. Older homes typically rely on a 60 to 100-amp service, and this system cannot support solar and EV additions without modifications. Upgrading your panel to 200 amps not only enhances safety, but it also ensures stable power flow and supports eco-conscious upgrades like EV chargers and solar panels.
Upgrading to a 200 amp electrical panel may cost anywhere from $1,300 to $3,000, but the investment is worth it since it helps to protect devices, prevent electrical fires, and handle increased electrical demand from clean and smart energy solutions. Finding a professional electrician is crucial to ensure your home’s electrical safety and code compliance. Be sure to hire an expert to upgrade your electrical infrastructure since they’ll need to check your home’s total amperage before switching out your panel.
Set Up an EV Charging Station
Thinking about getting an electric vehicle? Consider installing a charging station in your garage. Having your very own EV charger provides peace of mind since you’ll start every day with a full battery, and you won’t have to deal with long queues at public charging stations. What’s more, charging at home is significantly cheaper than using public DC fast chargers, especially if you charge during off-peak hours.
To prepare your garage for EV charger installation, clear it out of clutter and organize it to ensure that your EV will fit once your charger is installed. If you’re using part of the garage as a storage unit, think about adding customized cabinetry or shelving to hold items, then dedicate a few shelves to keep heavy charging cords neatly contained. Fix leaks and add insulation to the garage doors to keep out water since humidity and moisture build up can damage an EV charger.
Next, map out the charger’s placement. Ideally, it should be placed in such a way so that the charging cable can easily reach the port without stretching across walkways, so check to see if your EV’s charging point is at the front, side, or middle before installing the charger. Also, since charger manufacturers and homeowner’s insurance policies require professional installation, you’ll want to have a licensed electrician do the work to avoid damage or malfunction.
Prep the Roof for Solar Panels
Before buying solar panels, prep your roof to ensure that the structure can handle the weight and prevent costly repairs in the future. Solar panels add about four pounds of weight per square foot, so check your roof to prevent sagging over time. You’ll also want to make sure that the roof is in top condition to prevent leaks and water damage. Keep in mind that removing and reinstalling solar panels for a roof replacement can be quite expensive, so do the necessary fixes before installation.
Have a professional roofer do a thorough inspection to assess your roof’s integrity and lifespan. Flat roof systems, which are ideal for solar panel installation, have an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years, while metal roofing can last for 40 to 70 years. If your roof has fewer than five years left, the expert may recommend a total roof replacement before installation. Don’t forget to deep clean the roof to get rid of moss or grime to ensure a clean mounting surface and enhance panel performance.
Prepare your home for clean energy adoption. Consider these renovations and fixes before integrating solar panels or EV chargers to maximize performance, prevent damage and costly repairs, and have a home that’s well equipped for the future.
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