Report: Advanced Solar Homes Can Cut Costs

Energy Efficiency, Solar Power in Homes Will also Reduce Pollution, Save Water

AUSTIN – With nearly 2.2 million new homes likely to be built in Texas in the next twenty years, a new report finds that building these homes with energy-efficient technology and solar energy systems would reduce homeowners’ energy bills by $5.4 billion—a net savings of $480 per household per year. Environment Texas Research and Policy Center’s report, Building for a Clean Energy Future, also demonstrated that homes with energy efficient and solar technologies would cut pollution and save water.   

“Everyone knows solar panels and energy saving measures in the home are good for the environment.   Our report shows that they are also good for the pocketbook,” said Luke Metzger, Director of Environment Texas “And net-zero energy homes, which combine energy efficiency, clean energy like solar panels, and common sense design aren’t something out of the Jetsons, they’re already available right here in Texas.”

Texas is already home to several “net-zero energy” homes, or solar homes which are so efficient that, over the course of the year, they produce as much energy as they use. In east Austin, Architecture firm KRDB is currently building the first neighborhood in Texas comprised entirely of these homes.

“Our goal with the Sol (Solutions Oriented Living) Project, is to propose a model of sustainable development that provides well designed, affordable homes in Central Austin that significantly reduce a homeowner’s energy consumption, which in turn, reduces their expenses, as well as their carbon footprint,” said Chris Krager, a KRDB architect and developer of the project. “The first step is increasing the efficiency of the building through good design.  At 45% the projected energy consumption of a typical home, in addition to a very aggressive rebate program through Austin Energy, the implementation of solar PV’s becomes financially viable. The project also goes beyond the envelope of the home, to include reduced environmental impact via reduced water consumption (efficient fixtures and low-impact landscape) and proximity to existing infrastructure (schools, public transit, downtown).”

The report finds that increasing the construction of net-zero energy homes over the next decade such that, by 2020, all new homes met the standard, would contribute significant environmental and economic benefits to the state. The report finds that by 2030, Texas would:

·         Reduce homeowners’ energy bills by more $5.4 billion. With incentive programs available now, a net-zero energy home could cost about $40 per month less to own than a standard home.

·         Save more than 25 billion kilowatt hours per year – eliminating the need to build seven large (500 MW) coal-fired power plants.

·         Prevent 18 million metric tons of global warming pollution, the equivalent of making one of every six cars and trucks in Texas pollution-free.

·         Cut smog pollution by 7.5 million pounds.

·         Save 10 billion gallons of water.

The Austin metropolitan area would save 2.38 billion kilowatt hours per year in 2030, avoiding the need for 333 megawatts of electricity. Homeowners would save $515 million per year on their energy bills.

Two Texas agencies are currently considering rules to help promote solar power and energy efficiency. First, Comptroller Susan Combs and the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) are expected to decide this fall whether to adopt the latest efficiency standards for new homes. The standards would require new homes to be approximately 15% more energy efficient than currently required. Environment Texas Research and Policy Center urged SECO to adopt the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code and require homebuilders to comply within one year of adoption.  

Second, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas will soon consider new requirements on Texas electric companies to provide incentives for homeowners for solar power and energy efficiency. Current law requires electric utilities to offset part of the growth in electric demand with energy efficiency programs, including rebates for “Energy Star” homes. The group also urged the PUC to create a statewide solar rebate program and to increase spending on energy efficiency by 150%.

“Policies encouraging zero energy homes will help keep electric bills affordable while also transitioning Texas to a cleaner energy future,” said Senator Kirk Watson.”The state must do more to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in the most prudent and affordable way.”

Environment Texas Research and Policy Center also hailed the passage of HB 1937 during the 2009 Texas legislative session. The bill authorizes cities to help residents install solar energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements by offering loans that can be paid back via property taxes.

“House Bill 1937, when combined with a robust solar rebate program, allows Texans in many areas of the state to experience savings from solar installation from day one,” said Representative Mark Strama.  “Making solar energy cost-effective for all Texas residents is an excellent way for our state to begin to realize its potential as a leader in renewable energy.”