Buying a Solar-Powered Home? Watch Out for These Symptoms of Future Problems

Solar-powered homes are becoming more commonplace, and are an excellent step in the right ecological direction. That said, there are some aspects to consider if you’re thinking about investing in solar energy. Read on for some salient points about living by the sun.

The Sun And The Economy

As solar power has grown in popularity, the government has introduced incentives to help homeowners combat the once-high costs of purchasing and installing solar panels. And companies are springing up to rent you panels and cover the cost of installation. This means that your initial costs are smaller, but also that those third party companies reap the government incentives and may not always maintain strong relationships between you and your utility company.

The Sun And Your Roof

Roofs are the primary locations for solar panels, particularly on homes. Ensure that your roof has enough strength for the added weight of the equipment, and enough space for the proper placement (away from the edges, for example). The equipment comes with a lifetime guarantee so if the roof it’s on is already old, consider updating it before installation (which is an extra but necessary cost).

The Sun And Your Surroundings

A solar-powered home is all about location, location, location. Watch for tall and shady trees, or for high buildings that will shadow your panels and decrease or prevent their output. Look forward, too are there any plans for development in your neighborhood that would introduce such impediments in the future?

The Sun And Cloudy Days

The most obvious hiccup with solar power is that bane of a sunny existence: cloudy days. Location has influence here too: the climate of your area will determine how many panels you’ll need, where you’ll need to place them and how much energy you’ll be able to glean in each season. There are batteries you can purchase for collecting and storing solar energy but they’re still an expensive option. And solar power is still somewhat unattractive in the global economy because of how variable it is. Fossil fuels are more dependable, and therefore more marketable, than an energy source so tied to the weather although that looks to change if solar energy continues its rise in popularity with the masses.

All things considered, there is a deep and growing draw to solar-powered homes, but don’t enter into anything without looking at all sides of the equation. If you have questions, or want to know more about how solar energy works in your neighborhood, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

507 N Spur Drive Payson, AZ 85541

$1,135,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

3,106 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726055

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Unique custom home located on a heavily wooded 1 acre lot. Close to 100 large Ponderosa Pines, some 70ft tall, providing shade and seclusion. Main level living with a great room, kitchen, dining room, sunken sunroom, master bedroom and second bedroom. Main level living is mostly solid red oak flooring. Separate bedroom and family room area upstairs. Nice private covered decks. Property is completely fenced with chain link and wrought iron. Large 1000 sq ft workshop that has unlimited uses. It would be a great quilting space, woodworking shop or add water and sewer and have a great guest house. Greenhouse included. Several fruit trees and garden plots on the property. Fireplace in the Great Room and master bedroom. This is a one of a kind home in a great area!

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10491 E Meadowhill Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,135,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,466 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781668

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning home in gated McDowell Mountain Ranch offers elegance and privacy with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and no neighbors behind. The open floor plan features high ceilings, large windows, and a bright, airy feel. A chef's dream kitchen awaits, complete with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and a spacious island. The home also boasts two A/C units, ample storage, and a beautiful backyard with a sparkling pool and covered patio for entertaining or relaxing. Ideally located near Arizona's best hiking and biking trails, this home is a rare blend of luxury and convenience.

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10455 E Sheena Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,135,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,294 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6776856

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning McDowell Mountain Ranch property offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 modern bathrooms. The open-concept floor plan is designed for both relaxation and entertaining, highlighted by a beautiful kitchen and inviting living areas filled with natural light. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, complete with sparkling pool and spa, barbeque, and fireplace perfect for enjoying the Arizona sunshine. Located in a desirable gated neighborhood, you'll have easy access to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. Don't miss the chance to make this exceptional home yours.

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5672 W Bruno Canyon Drive Prescott, AZ 86305

$1,129,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,024 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758560

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GOLF COURSE LIVING! Very unique location offering spectacular golf course views. 3 bedroom 2 bath home with spacious direct entry two car garage. Beautifully landscaped property with fully fenced in back yard is perfect for outdoor entertaining. Inside you'll find upgrades throughout including modern fixtures, premium finishes and upgraded appliances. Experience luxury living with this open floor plan that provides plenty of natural light. Don't miss the opportunity to own this stunning move-in ready home. Talking Rock is a gated private community for members only. Amenities include: award winning Jay Morrish designed Golf Course, The Ranch House restaurant and bar, Coop's Coffee House, fitness center, bocce, pickle ball courts, tennis court, pool and dog park.

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12628 N 2nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85022

$1,129,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,164 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688012

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Mountains everywhere! This is it! One-of-a-kind huge lot backing to preserve! This amazing & updated home is very special! Owners remodeled & expanded the Family Room/Kitchen for an open concept! A true Gourmet kitchen w/the perfect Mega 12' Island! This property is an Entertainer's delight w/lots of indoor and outdoor spaces. 4 bedrooms & ensuite den for the perfect at home/work/zoom space. Huge Split Primary Ensuite. Bathroom w/spa features: Elegant shower & soaking tub w/jets and therapy bubbles! Formal living room as well for extra living space. True Arizona landscape w/natural desert, trees, garden, paths, ramada, firepit, patios, & space for a pool! Your own gate to the preserve! Lots of trails! Near Gold Key Racquet Club & Moon Valley CC nearby! Located in North Mountain area.

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22855 E Twilight Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$1,129,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,796 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752504

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

EXQUISITE LUXURY ESTATE! This coveted David Weekley Tranquility floorplan offers 3796 sq ft of single level luxury living that extends to a backyard retreat including a NEWLY built custom pool. This home offers 4 bedrooms plus den & hobby room, 3.5 baths & 3 car garage! Upon entry you will immediately sense the spaciousness & open concept floorplan with soaring ceilings, attention to detail, & custom lighting throughout. The designer kitchen offers 2 toned shaker cabinets that run floor to ceiling, quartz countertops, large island, & perfectly positioned butlers pantry. The primary retreat offers a large bath with a soaking tub, large walk in shower & 2 large walk-in closets with the laundry room conveniently attached! Every inch of this home is masterfully planned & beautifully designed!

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6429 E Eugie Terrace Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Open House

$1,129,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,945 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781534

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Top to bottom remodel in Scottsdale's most desirable zip code of 85254. Redesigned and renovated throughout with a gourmet kitchen, quartz counters with complimenting tile splash, shaker cabinetry, oversized island with a waterfall finish, complete stainless steel appliance package, and a full-length coffee bar. The master suite features a walk-in closet, custom bathroom with a walk-in shower, tile shower surrounds, & new dual vanity. Don't miss the big tickets items including new windows, spray foam insulation within the exterior walls and ceiling for increased energy efficiency, full length covered patio, fresh front & rear landscape, extended height block fencing for increased privacy, & RV gate for additional parking. Home is located near top-rated schools and extensive options for entertainment, restaurants, and shopping. Desert Ridge is 10 minutes north while Kierland & The Quarter are quick trip east. Close to the 51 and 101 freeways providing easy access throughout the Valley.

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4208 E Via Dona Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,126,595

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,050 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745294

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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9514 W Running Deer Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,125,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,633 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785640

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

'Welcome to your new home with 7 Car Garages ! This amazing 4600+ sq ft, 5-bedroom, 4-bath home is situated on a 1/3+ acre premium lot in the beautiful gated community of Pleasant Valley. The master bedroom is located downstairs, and there are 4 split bedrooms upstairs. The entry features travertine tile. The kitchen includes a spacious eat-in area, stainless steel appliances. Additionally, there is a formal dining area, family room, and living room. The master bath features a separate tub, shower, and a huge walk-in closet. There is also a game room/loft upstairs and 3 gas fireplaces. The resort-style rear yard boasts a Pebble Tec pool with a rock waterfall. The home has new interior and exterior paint and additional separate 4-car garage & an Office

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36382 N 35th Street Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,125,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,128 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769458

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Modern Rustic Custom Home sitting large on 1.5+ acre horse privileged lot surrounded by panoramic mountain views! Majestic beauty, western ambiance, privacy, & free from HOA! Meticulously maintained home through pride of ownership w/updates made each year. 4 bdrm, 3 bath, PLUS Office w/glass door entry, Game/Bonus room w/wet bar & French doors to cov'd patio, & Flex Room w/closet offering so many uses...as another bdrm, multi-gen living, rental, homeschool, fitness center... the choice is yours! Popular white cabinets in kitchen, granite c-tops, bar seating & eat-in nook. Formal dining room & cozy family room w/fireplace. Stunning resort-caliber lot w/Baja pool, manicured grassy area, gazebo, fencing, RV Gate & Parking, low maintenance landscape & land left over to add your toys & dreams! The oversized backyard has a grassy area, a lovely gazebo, a covered patio, mature trees, a storage shed, a fenced pool with a boulder waterfall, a built-in BBQ, and amazing sunset views. Plus, there is a dirt-fenced area and extra land space for all your animals to frolic in the field or gardening area. See it, love it, live it!

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4055 N Recker Road Unit 29 Mesa, AZ 85215

$1,125,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,190 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776140

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WELCOME HOME! This custom single-story home w/breathtaking mountain views, nestled in the exclusive gated community of Red Mountain Ranch's Country Club Estates. Crafted for those who value lifestyle, luxury, & stunning scenery, this 4-B, 3BA residence has it all for both relaxation & entertaining. Two of the spacious primary suites, each w/its own ensuite bathroom. All of the bedrooms have a walk-in closet. The open floor plan flows effortlessly, featuring a den perfect for a music room, a formal dining area, & a gourmet kitchen that blends seamlessly w/the welcoming family room. Outside, you'll find an entertainer's paradise, complete w/a built-in BBQ, putting green, sparkling pool, & lush lawn, all framed by scenic golf course & majestic mountain views.

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6525 E Cave Creek Road Unit 15 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,125,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,078 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783182

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Designed by renowned modern architect Shawn Kaffer, Cave Creek now has it's first modern community, This home is constructed with an innovated method utilizing insulated concrete (GFRC) providing high R values not found in stick-built homes. Stay cool, and quiet and enjoy low energy bills. Luxurious Great Room and Kitchen with 14' to 17' ceilings, two master bedrooms and baths, large Den/Office and powder room. All commercial grade windows and doors with a 10' fiberglass door at the entry and 10' glass doors to the back patio. Enjoy all seasons on the sun and shade patio with built in BBQ island, gas firepit, and grassy sitting area under the trees. Surrounded by hiking and biking trails all within minutes of the home. Walk to some of the best restaurants in Cave Creek. Exterior walls and ceilings are constructed from high density foam and coated inside and out with GFRC for strength and rigidity. This method provides R values not found in stick-built homes. The walls are R-40 and the ceilings are R-60. This combined with Low E commercial glass windows and doors provides a very high energy efficient dwelling.

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