Approximately 1,000 new homes have been built with solar panels as a standard feature in California, although this number is rising. 12 Solar photovoltaic and solar hot water systems … Table of Contents Executive Summary ….. 4 Survey Results: Attitude and Experience of Solar Homeowners ….. 7 The Benefits of Solar Homes …..

Rave Reviews for Solar Homes Page 5 Lastly, the social benefits of creating a robust solar home market come in the form of greater energy independence, reduced air pollution and, in time, a more stable, affordable energy supply. Survey Highlights Analysis of 109 completed surveys reveals the motivation, experience and knowledge of the homeowner living in newly built solar homes. These results are highlighted below: Solar homeowners were motivated by saving money and reported low energy bills. Specifically: • 70 percent of the homeowners surveyed say their electric bills are much less than in their previous home; • 53 percent report their solar home purchase was motivated by saving money; • Regardless of motivations, the solar system was an important factor for 77% of the home buyers. Solar homeowners are satisfied customers. The survey found that: • 92 percent of respondents would recommend a solar home to a friend, and 93 percent would buy a solar home again; • 84 percent of solar homeowners believe the solar power system would be a selling feature if they were to sell their home; • 95 percent of the homeowners think more homes should come with solar power features. • 86 percent have had no problems with their solar system and 90 percent say their solar system has either no effect or a positive effect on the appearance of their home. Solar homeowners take additional steps to reduce their consumption of energy. For instance 86 percent of the homeowners say they try to cut their energy consumption, beyond owning a solar system, through energy efficient appliances and lifestyle changes. Policy Recommendations To further the potential for solar homes, federal, state and local governments should: Design Standards for New Homes. To achieve additional economies of scale and build more sustainable communities, state and local governments should establish minimum solar energy requirements for new construction. Consumer Rebates. Dozens of states offer some form of consumer rebate program to help buy-down the cost of installing a solar energy system. The nation’s largest rebate program was just adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission. Other states should adopt a similar program

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