Residential solar panel installation

The housing market is still trying to come out of its slump here in the U.S.  In order to lure potential home buyer, developers are adding unique features you might not otherwise expect — like solar panels!  Solar energy efficiency with new Portland, Oregon homes will be showcased this week in the city’s Alberta Arts community.

The project, which will be part of five new Earth Advantage Gold developments, will be open to the public on July 29, 2010 at 5110 N.E. 17th Avenue in Portland, Oregon.  Contemporary design and luxurious touches are part of the reason its is a winner of the Street of Dreams Award, the Most Innovative New Home Product Award, and the Realtors Choice Award for best curb appeal and best kitchen.  But perhaps more noteworthy is the fact that a 2.4 kilowatt (kW) solar system is included with the home, which means that you could get a Federal Tax Credit to defray a portion of the $419,000 purchase price.  In addition, homeowners will be able to use a wireless monitoring device to gauge solar energy efficiency of the panels, and determine if they will be able to receive net metering credits on next month’s utility bill.

Beaverton-based solar installer LiveLight Energy, and its partner Solar World of Hillsboro, offer warranties on the solar panel system: Solar World panels have a 25-year performance warranty, while solar inverters have a 10-year warranty.  LiveLight also provides a 2 year installation warranty.

A green home with energy efficient features?  Now, that’s one way to bring out the new home buyers!