Stickin' It to Xcel

We have a love/hate relationship with our energy companies. We love our cars and gadgets, we need our heating and cooling, we buy things manufactured and brought to us under different types of power. But when that bill comes - oh, boy.

Panels these days are very unobtrusive.

By now you've seen solar panels perched on houses in your neighborhood. They are becoming more popular everyday, but there is still misinformation that makes homeowners hesitate to add this tool to their sustainability plan. Folks are afraid the upfront costs will be high (they're not), or that it will take years to see value (it doesn't), or that the panels will scare buyers off in the future and reduce their home value (they don't).

Last summer, I had SolarCity install panels on my roof in Broomfield. Our home faces east/southeast, and though not very big there was still adequate room for enough panels to make it worthwhile. My representative, David, was able to see a satellite picture of my home online and determine that the home was a candidate for solar and had no trees blocking the rays.

Installation was easy - until we needed the cooperation of Xcel to install a new metering system. As you can imagine, they were not quite as excited as I was to start making my own power. But after a few weeks of delays (that I was warned about from the beginning), the meter was installed and I could load the SolarCity software onto my computer to monitor power generation. So cool!

My house from a hot air balloon. I wasn't, but you could.

SolarCity has a few different options depending on your needs - I have a 20 year lease agreement. SolarCity owns the panels and takes full responsibility for their care and liability. I have a fixed payment for the power I am generating and that is lower than what I was paying to Xcel. I basically feed power to the grid when I'm making more than I'm consuming, and I pull out power at night and when it's overcast. I still pay Xcel for gas, but my total payments to both companies this past year have been on average 18% less than they were before.

The lease is transferrable to new owners should you sell, and solar panels add value to your home. Younger generations of homebuyers cite sustainability and energy efficiency as a high priority when it comes to purchasing a home. Should you need to get a new roof, SolarCity will come and take the panels off and put them back on when you're done at no charge.

I have had a great experience with SolarCity, though I'm sure there are other companies offering similar types of deals. The important thing is to patronize the industry - call me if I can help you get started!

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I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 

Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@stauferteam.com

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FOR SALE: 1028 Turnberry Circle, Louisville

 

Brand new listing in Coal Creek Ranch!  Enjoy coffee on the private two-level back deck or take a short walk to the community pool, park and tennis courts!

1028 Turnberry Circle, Louisville, CO

Hardwood floors throughout the main floor, gas fireplace and stove, walkout basement, built-in cabinets, large windows and lots of light.  With four bedrooms upstairs, this is a very popular model. This neighborhood has a golf course and Monarch schools.  3 baths, 2 car garage, listing price is $510,000 - your chance to get into Coal Creek Ranch!

Come out and visit me at the Open House Sunday, July 19 from 1-3pm. Inventory in the city is still low; make sure you get a chance to visit. Feel free to email or call me if you'd like more details. Between the vibrant downtown, Streetfaires, Friday Artwalks, Taste of Louisville and the farmers' market, Louisville has so much to offer! 

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I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 

Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@stauferteam.com

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Greater Connectivity

This month, the Ruth Roberts Connector Trail opened, joining the Broomfield Lake Link Trail and the Boulder County Rock Creek Trail. The project received a $45,000 grant from Colorado State Trails/Great Outdoors Colorado.

For more maps and detailed information on Broomfield's open space plans, visit their website.

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I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 

Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@stauferteam.com

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