New tool calculates value of California solar homes

Homeowners can run the numbers

A new online tool launched today by the California Energy Commission now helps the housing market evaluate the value of solar on California homes. The Solar Advantage Value Estimator (SAVE) will give the industry a long term and cost-effective method for calculating the added value of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on new and existing solar homes.

"This changes the perception of solar in the housing industry that benefits homeowners. California solar homes are essential to meet California's New Solar Homes Partnership goals and renewable energy mandates. Today's changing real estate market requires a credible method to determine a home's value with solar and this tool is an example of California's leadership to develop new methods to cultivate clean energy," said Energy Commission Commissioner Carla Peterman.

SAVE calculates the value of a solar PV system on a new or existing solar home including the estimated value in annual energy savings. The tool uses the homeowner's unique address and zip code, the solar system size, specific climate zone data, and local electric utility rates. The solar PV system information is captured from existing solar rebate data including the Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) and the Emerging Renewables Program. The information can also be entered by the user.

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