solar panel qualifying for a solar incentive
Will Austin be giving away free solar arrays? No, of course not, but a new program which allows home owners to obtain low interest loans to install solar arrays has begun. The program will allow people to cut their electric bills while paying the loan on their property taxes. This is aimed at making the transition to green living easier on the Austin home owner.
The expected amount added to one’s property tax bill would be about equal to the amount saved on energy from the grid; meaning no impact to the typical home budget. Since Austin exempts most renewable home improvements, including solar, from a home’s property tax valuation, the homeowner also adds value to the property, without increasing the taxable value of the home. A green step forward is fiscally available for any Austin home owner interested in the upgrade.
With a large enough roof system, you could effectively remove yourself from the electrical grid. Or you could sell your extra power back to the utility. You’ll still want a back-up system, just in case of another hurricane like Katrina. Would this affect the electricity supplier in the area? It might. Too many people cutting back at once could strain the local utility. In the long run such a strain would be minor compared to the benefits that will come from the shift.
The largest obstacles to success might be keeping up with the rebates. $4 million was allocated for the fiscal year starting Oct 1, 2009. At this time more than $3 million has already been allocated.
In keeping with the goal of becoming a green state, Texas has strived forward, establishing itself as a leader in green energy. Recently there have been several alternative energy resources that people are watching closely, among them is wind energy. To some the results are astonishing; however to Texans it is nothing new.
When a person thinks about wind-generated electricity, he sees those huge windmills, the long blades whirling in the breeze. And the state that leads the way in wind-generated power is Texas. The increase of 436 megawatts in the 3rd quarter brings her total wind-power capacity to nearly 8800 Megawatts, or approximately 28% of the total U.S. wind-generated power. California, by Comparison, generates less than 3000 megawatts by wind.
The Texas wind generation plants produce enough to power 2.5 million homes. Compare that to the total U.S. of 9 million. Texas is a true leader in this field.
The production of wind turbines is down because of the recession, but Texas still pushes ahead. And it has nearly three times the turbine-power megawatts of Iowa. Taking the steps to move forward with clean energy it will not be long before the country turns to Texas once again to see what to do correctly.
The American Wind Energy Association credits the stimulus bill for helping complete energy projects and for starting new ones.
Water treatment plant (activated sludge tank)
The Austin city council has a battle brewing over water, or, more accurately, over a water treatment plant. A city the size of Austin needs water treatment plants. They have 3, and the push is on for a fourth. However, the city council is divided. Some members don’t want it, and plan to push for a conservation measure which would consider infrastructure management and drought, demand, and regional supply. Although all of these issues should be considered, the benefit of the additional plant is also being considered.
Current projections indicate the proposed fourth water treatment plant would cause water bills to rise 15%. The conservation measure mentioned above is likely to be introduced to the council on November 5, 2009. Each measure will later come before council for a vote. The current anticipated vote seems to be 4-3 in favor of the plant. If this proposal carries, those against the plan could opt to bring forward another resolution to direct the city’s manager to find ways to lessen the impact on lower-income families.
As the efforts continue, both conservation and water treatment are on the table for discussion. Only time will show us if a solid, beneficial compromise will be reaches by both sides. Back up measures are being created in case a compromise is not reached.
Starting this June, those who wish to sell a home in Austin will be required to have their home inspected for energy efficiency. This new ordinance does not require the seller to upgrade any leaks or other problems that may be found, but it does state that the buyer be made aware of the outcome of the audit via disclosure. Of course, given the current market and economy, anything that may decrease the value of a home should be repaired prior to sale. Buyers don’t want to think of what needs to be fixed when looking at a home, so it will be better to make any necessary upgrades before putting the house on the market.
The energy audit will be looking into four areas of energy efficiency. There will be a duct pressure check on the air conditioning unit to check for leaks. Weather stripping around doors will be inspected. Shades and screens, especially on the east, west, and south sides of a home will be looked at, as will the type of insulation found in an attic. Energy Raters can be found online at Austin Energy’s Website, and will generally run about $300 for every 2,000 square feet. If you decide to go ahead with the upgrades, the home will need to be inspected again when complete.
There is another option considered in compliance with the new ordinance. Homeowners can participate in the Home Performance with Energy Star Certificate program. Homes that have already done so within the last ten years are exempt from the ordinance. In this case, a home performance contractor will inspect the home, sometimes for free with a bid for work. The same areas will be reviewed as with the energy audit, and then the information will be sent to Austin Energy for review. To receive a certificate of completion, three of the requirements must be met or the homeowner must have received a rebate of $500 or more from Austin Energy.
In either case, Austin Energy must approve the upgrades for energy efficiency. The information must be contained within the Seller’s Disclosure and is good for ten years.
Like many cities in the nation, Austin is facing some serious issues that need to be handled by a new Mayor beginning in May. There are several candidates to choose from this election, including two that currently sit on the Austin City Council. McCracken has been an intense supporter of Austin’s ever growing technology sector. He chairs the council’s Emerging Technologies Committee and the Land Use-Transportation Committee. A Corpus Christi native and graduate of Princeton and the University of Texas School of Law, McCracken has served as a prosecutor for Harris County in Texas. McCracken has also been a staunch supporter of all things green in Austin, helping to make Austin Energy the first utility nationwide to open its grid for clean energy companies to test their technologies.
The major issues faced by Austinites during this election include the city’s budget, transportation and infrastructure, and the environment. McCracken’s way to a better economy entails the embrace of emerging technologies within clean energy, biotech, film and digital media. McCracken hopes to commit to puting solar power onto 100,000 homes in the next ten years, again by investing in emerging technologies. He plans to create an endowment to ensure that Austinites have every opportunity to learn green collar jobs and healthcare professions, citing “we want everyone to be included…including the less fortunate.”
With so many issues facing the candidates, it is important to know where each one stands on the matters that are important to Austin. Remember, early voting begins April 27th, with Election Day on Saturday, May 9th. For more information about Brewster McCracken, visit his website www.brewstermccracken.com
The city of Austin has been thinking about the environment for quite some time now. There are many incentives given by the city to encourage residents to reduce energy usage. Whether building a home, or remodeling, it is always a good idea to check with the city to see what it can offer. Recycling is another major part of Austin’s green thinking. The city has a goal of more than 50% recyclables within the next several years. Along these lines, the city is now offering a rebate for recycling your old refrigerator or freezer. They will even come and pick it up for you.
Over a lifetime of use, a refrigerator can produce up to 10 tons of carbon dioxide. This is a major contributor to greenhouse gases affecting our atmosphere. By recycling your old, but working, refrigerator or freezer, you are removing emissions equal to two cars out of the environment. Many homes may have an additional fridge or freezer in the garage for overflow. These units work up to 30% more while combating the hot Austin summers. By recycling your old fridge or freezer, you can save up to $250 per year in electricity and energy usage. It is also important to note that newer units are more energy efficient and can save even more than that.
As an added incentive, Austin is offering a cash rebate of up to $50 to recycle working refrigerators and freezers. More information about this program can be found online at www.austinenergy.com.
Austin has proven itself a city at the forefront of the green revolution since it has begun. Many local builders have educated themselves about, and put to good use, sustainable resources and green technologies. It takes more than that to be a successful builder, especially in an area where the recession hasn’t hit so hard yet. Many projects are in progress or in planning as the city focuses on rebuilding downtown. A developer needs to be aware of not only what is ‘in’ right now, but can look into the future at what will be needed. Green Synergy Projects has taken the time to do just that.
Green Synergy Projects is a development team based on Austin and places a strong emphasis on market research. The company takes on projects that are beneficial not just to themselves, but to area in which they are building as well. The company has expertise in a variety of developments, including multifamily, medical offices, and retail properties. The three principals in the company each have a solid background in business and financial planning. The company takes a hands on approach to the planning of each project. This includes the financials of each development with proven results.
As the name suggests, Green Synergy Projects focuses on environmentally friendly developments. From construction to completion, the company strives to meet the standards set not only by Austin’s Green Building Program, but the national Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design as well. Each design is created with thought to the environment and the reduction of greenhouse emissions and energy usage.
Austin has been at the forefront of the green movement since it began. Many local builders have taken the time to learn green building techniques and guidelines. Some even offer green remodeling now to older homes. A green home is one that uses less energy and water, but that doesn’t mean the homeowner is missing out on anything. Just take a look at the 4,080 square foot home that is currently on the market sitting near Dripping Springs. The home offers majestic Texas hillside views, and is completely eco-friendly. There is an open floor design inside, a pool, hot tub, and over four acres to play on. What is really extraordinary is what the house is made of.
The house was designed by Gayle Borst and Elliot Johnson. As executive director of Design/Build/Live, Borst consistently strives for green living. The first floor of this beautiful home is no different; it is made of a naturally sustainable material: straw. Bales are placed within a framework of red iron steel for strength. Since the home sits atop a hill, it can be quite windy, and red iron steel is used in the construction of high rises. The interior walls are made of adobe plaster, and the exterior is concrete stucco. A huge benefit of the straw-bale construction is the material’s ability to hold temperatures. When the house is cooled on a hot day, it stays cool. This lowers not only the energy usage of the home, but the heating and cooling costs as well. The home also includes a 21,500 gallon rainwater collection system that provides all the drinking, bathing, and cooking water. Windows and doors are placed in such a way to optimize both the natural air flow and sunlight the location has. This home proves that living green can be lavish and environmentally friendly.
Two new homes on Riley Road in Rollingwood have received kudos from Austin’s Green Energy Building Program. The first home was rated a five-star example of an eco-friendly home, while the second should meet the same requirements, once construction is completed over the next several weeks. Those involved with the project have worked to include many home features that will allow the home’s occupants to have as little contact with dangerous chemicals as necessary, protecting both their own health, as well as that of the environment.
Included in the features of these homes are efficient fixtures and appliances, such as toilets, washing machines, dishwashers and numerous windows, all of which cut the need for excess water and electricity. Both homes have private pools with special filtration systems that remove impurities from the water, without the need for chlorine or other chemicals.
They also feature induction stoves, rather than gas or electric models, further reducing the carbon footprint of the homeowner. The paint used within the models is as chemical free as is available, making the home safe for those who have problems with allergies or those who are sensitive to chemicals. The floors are made from sealed concrete that does not require the use of chemical cleaners and can be washed with pure water.
When shopping for a new home, buyers that employ the services of a Realtor can assure that their purchase has the “green” features that they want, without overpaying. A Realtor will work with the builder and buyer to develop a suitable agreement about what materials are used and what features are added to the home, preventing misunderstandings and unethical practices. A Realtor can help a buyer to make the right choices when selecting their home that will meet both their budget and their needs, leaving everyone satisfied, once the deal is complete.
With a highly competitive housing market, sellers are sometimes at a loss as to how to get their home to sell. As the “green initiative” has take the country by storm, playing up the energy efficiency and other green features of a home is a great way to draw more attention to a home that is on the market and increase the chance of selling it at an acceptable price.
Buyers are advised by many professionals to consider the energy efficiency of a home before purchasing, as the cost of energy has been steadily rising in the past years. Savvy sellers are making improvements to their homes prior to putting them on the market, which in turn makes them more appealing to buyers who are energy conscious.
Among the improvements that should be made prior to selling a home is replacing old toilets with energy-efficient models. Also, programmable thermostats, the addition of ceiling fans in many rooms, and adding insulation are also suggested by the experts. Use drought-resistant plants outside to further increase the visual appeal of the home. There are a number of other improvements that can be made, with the help of contractors that specialize in improving energy efficiency.
If cost is a factor, Austin offers homeowners free upgrades for changing out toilets and other features and also gives rebates for purchasing items from their approved lists. Though there may be a few expenses in the lead up to placing your home on the market, selling at a higher price and a potentially faster rate will be worth the money spent.
