As real estate clients become more and more interested in energy and cost savings, before investing in a 
residential property or building on eco-friendly land, many buyers want to know more about solar capabilities. So I put together this list of 5 Steps Buyers Can Take to Learn More about a home's Solar Capabilities.
There's much to learn and consider, including, for example, the differences between passive and solar building features and the costs involved. (Unlike passive solar systems, active solar systems, use mechanical devices such as fans and pumps to distribute solar heat or cooling effect from a collector.)
(Photo shows expert David Tuch from Equinox Environmental in Asheville as he talks with REALTOR and client...)
There are so many things to consider for inquisitive buyers into sustainable design and development, that the green buyers' brokers at our Firm here in Asheville, NC, turned to Solar Experts to learn more about a home's solar capabilities. Here are the suggestions:
1. Learn the Lingo. Good jumping off point: US. Department of Energy' s web pages on Active Solar Heating
2. Learn about the many types of SOLAR COLLECTORS(usually roof-mounted) used to heat the air or liquid that is used in residential applications to heat water, indoor spaces, swimming pools-these may include flat-plate, evacuated-tube, and concentrating collectors- to solar water heating systems used to heat water or a heat-transfer fluid housed in collectors--- to liquid solar collectors which distribute heat to radiant floor, hot water baseboards or radiators, and central forced-air- to stand-alone photovoltaic systems that produce power independently of the utility grid.
3. Learn about issues of cost and savings. For example: Some photovoltaic systems can be more cost-effective than the alternative of extending power lines. Taking the cost of extending power lines into account significantly enhances the payback period associated with photovoltaic applications.
4. GO out to the home or building site with a professional solar evaluation team. Get your own feel for the process.
5. Refer to the list of renewable energy experts that a real estate professional provides.
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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to Convivial Blogger Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG and SUBSCRIBE
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............
5 Steps Buyers Can Take to Learn More about a Home's Solar Capabilities .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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This professional REALTOR'S® has an eye for extraordinary value
"My Team and I specialize in homes on the GreenSide- golf course, second and vacation homes,
in Mountain Homes and Land Legacies, golf course communities, and properties of enduring excellence.
stylish equestrian estates and land legacy acreages in the Greater Asheville Area." "
janeAnne "Asheville's Greenolina" Narrin, M.A., CSW, is a golf enthusiast and real estate consultant specializing in eco-sensitive golf communities, mountain homes and land legacies. She is the author of numerous articles on Asheville's Homes on the GreenSide and has served on the Green Experts Board for the New Life Journal.She currently co-chairs the ECO Committee at the Asheville Board of REALTORS®. She is an avid putter!
Media:: HGTV filmed her Eco-All-Star Team for a show on sustainable innovation for HGTV's Green Week. "Asheville's Greenolina" real estate media interviews and articles appear in various print and online publications. Her nonfiction titles: Authentic Communication on the Worldwide Web and A Curriculum for Practical Real Estate. Narrin ("Asheville's Greenolina") holds the highly-regarded designations of NAR GREEN®, ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultant, EcoBroker® and e-PRO®.
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Thanks for the info. I just sold some land to friends and they want to go completely green when they build and your post gave me some much needed info to be able to help them talk the talk.
If buyers intend to go solar after they purchase a home, and evaluation is critical before the purchase. nothing is more heartbreaking than discovering that you have to cut down trees to reach your solar dreams.
KT~
Noticed your comment this morning...You just made my day....almost a year later !
THX!!! =)
Rick~
Harvesting the wood to use in the building might be an option some folks might consider, but taking trees is a serious, serious consideration...as you commented.