Embracing Modern Home Updates to Enhance Home Value
Modern Updates: EV chargers and Solar Panels in Boulder, Co
Incorporating solar panels and EV chargers into your home can significantly enhance its overall value, not to mention provide some clear environmental and financial benefits. Let’s explore how these modern updates can boost your home’s market appeal when you’re looking to sell in the Boulder, Niwot, Longmont, Louisville, and Broomfield areas.
- Increasing Demand: As sustainability and energy efficiency become more important to homebuyers, properties equipped with solar panels and EV chargers are getting looks quicker. Potential buyers recognize the long-term cost savings and environmental advantages associated with these updates, making your home more attractive in the market.
- Unique Selling Point: Solar panels and EV chargers provide a unique selling point for your home. They set your property apart from others, highlighting its modern and forward-thinking nature.
- Energy Savings: Homes in Boulder with solar panels benefit from reduced energy costs, which is a compelling factor for potential buyers. With these updates, you can position your home as an energy-efficient investment with the potential of even eliminating an electricity bill altogether.
- Resilience and Independence: Solar panels provide a level of energy independence by allowing homeowners to generate their own electricity. Highlighting solar panels’ resilience and self-sufficiency can attract buyers who value these qualities.
- EV Charging Infrastructure: The growing popularity of electric vehicles means that having an EV charger at home is becoming increasingly desirable. Homes equipped with EV charging infrastructure have an advantage over those without, as they cater to the needs of electric vehicle owners. This feature can attract buyers who are already driving electric vehicles or have plans to transition to them in the future.
So in understanding where to start and how to go about installing and getting set up with an EV charger at your home, I connected with a local, trusted electrician and the owner of Niwot Electric, Cris Camery.
Craig: Cris, great to connect. I hope you’ve been out riding your bike! To kick things off, tell us about how many EV chargers have you installed at this point.
Cris: 25-30 and that number is increasing every week.
Craig: You’ve been busy! So tell us – what are some of the most common things you see need to be addressed when people are installing either a charger or solar panels?
Cris: Great question, it can get complicated so here are several things to consider:
Many of the EV Rebates out there have requirements so make sure you check in with your Electrical Provider for specifications. Ie. hardwired and/or specific EV charger voltage requirements.
Secondly, and probably most important, you need to have space in your electrical panel. Minimum 120 volts but that’s a standard receptacle. If you’re wanting a decent, moderate charger in your home, all Level 2 chargers need 240v /30-50 amps. And nowadays you can come across 60 amps and now 100 amps in your breaker box. Without enough space, things can get more expensive with having to add either a sub-panel or even a service upgrade if your main breaker is not large enough.
*We get a lot of calls about having an electrician take a look at the inspection to give you exact specs so you know what you’re dealing with.
The other key thing we’ve learned and seems to be general knowledge now, is that the charger does not control the charging rate of the vehicle. This is determined by the vehicle itself. If your vehicle is overworking and hot, your car’s computer will slow down charging until cooled and then ramps back up.
A general rule of thumb is that you should charge your ev to about 80%. It may not be good for the life of your battery if you constantly charge it to pull capacity. There is also an 80% rule for ckt capacity for safely charging for example, 50 amps will safely charge to 40 amps and 40 amps to 32 amps.
Craig: There are so many small details when it comes to electrifying your home, we really appreciate your insight here, Cris. What else do we need to think about when connecting a charger to our home electrical panel?
Cris: There are a few other details that really make a difference, make sure when you’re thinking about placement of your charger it is placed in a centralized location so that if you have multiple EVs or are planning on getting more than one EV both cars will be able to use the style charger your getting and it is accessible to both.
There are also many new devices and technology coming out for home use so that 1curcuit can be utilized by more than one device, ie, an Ev charger or a clothes dryer circuit can be split and used for both but not simultaneously. If your electrical space is limited this is also an option.
In sum, by incorporating an EV charger into your home, you not only embrace clean energy and reduce your environmental impact but also enhance your property’s value. These modern updates offer financial benefits, energy independence, and convenience while catering to the demands of an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
EV chargers can transform your home into a sustainable and desirable investment. Boost your home’s value, and contribute to a greener world by considering the electrification of your property in Boulder, Colorado.
**Need to have an electrical inspection done during your home buying inspection? Maybe you’re ready ready to install an EV charger installed in your Boulder area home. Cris is a trusted professional who lives, gives, and works in our community. Reach out to Cris and his team at Niwot Electric.
Driving Towards the Future: EV Chargers
As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to rise, having an EV charger at home has become a significant convenience and a step towards a sustainable future. Here’s why integrating an EV charger into your home is a wise decision:
- Convenience: Charging your electric vehicle at home eliminates the need for frequent trips to public charging stations. With an EV charger installed, you can conveniently charge your vehicle overnight, ensuring it is ready to go when you need it.
- Cost Savings: Charging an electric vehicle at home is typically more cost-effective than relying solely on public charging stations. You can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, potentially reducing your overall charging costs.
- Time Savings: With an EV charger at home, you can significantly reduce the time required to charge your electric vehicle. High-power chargers allow for faster charging times, ensuring your vehicle is ready for use in a shorter period.
- Future-Proofing Your Home: As electric vehicles become more prevalent, homes with EV chargers will become increasingly desirable. Installing an EV charger now ensures your home is ready for the future and potentially increases its market value.
- Environmental Impact: By charging your electric vehicle at home, you are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, allowing you to drive cleaner and help combat air pollution.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun: Solar Panels
Solar panels have become a popular addition to modern homes due to their ability to harness the sun’s energy and convert it into usable electricity. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider installing solar panels in your home:
- Renewable and Clean Energy: Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases, making it environmentally friendly. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, solar panels contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.
- Lower Energy Costs: With solar panels, you can generate your own electricity, reducing your dependence on traditional energy providers. By utilizing solar power, you can potentially offset or eliminate your monthly electricity bills, resulting in long-term savings.
- Increased Home Value: Homes equipped with solar panels tend to have higher resale values. Prospective buyers are attracted to the idea of reduced energy costs and environmentally friendly features, making solar panels a valuable investment that can pay off in the long run.
- Energy Independence: Solar panels provide homeowners with a sense of energy independence. They can produce their own electricity, especially during power outages or in remote areas where traditional power sources may not be readily available.
- Government Incentives: Many governments offer financial incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. These incentives can significantly offset the initial costs, making solar panel installations more affordable.
Conclusion
As we strive for a sustainable future, integrating solar panels and EV chargers into our homes becomes crucial. These modern home updates not only promote clean energy and environmental responsibility but also provide financial benefits and enhance property value. Embracing solar panels allows homeowners to harness the sun’s energy, reduce energy costs, and gain energy independence. Installing an EV charger in your home in Boulder County will be sure to catch the attention of potential buyers!