Four Out of Five Americans Want Solar Option for New Homes
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO 
on 08. 1.06
Right on the heels of evidence that more Americans are choosing to buy green power when it's available comes news that 80% of US residents would also like to see home builders offer solar power as an option for new houses, according to a survey by Japan's Sharp Electric Company (the world's largest producer of solar cells).
The survey was conducted in May among 1,004 adults to measure their perceptions of solar power. It showed that given the current energy situation, three-quarters of Americans feel that solar energy is more important today than ever, according to Sharp.While some may question the results based on the survey's source, clearly many Americans are finally recognizing that the often sizable investment required for solar energy installations can pay healthy dividends in reduced electricity and/or water heating costs over the life of the system. As many builders are recognizing the value of green construction, perhaps we're seeing a convergence of forces that will make solar power, and other green housing features, the norm. Hey, we can hope... ::Personal Tech Pipeline via It's Getting Hot in HereThe number-one reason for homeowners to utilize solar power is to save money on monthly utility bills, but respondents are also concerned with using solar to decrease the United States' dependence on oil.
The survey showed that two-thirds of Americans are willing to pay a premium for homes that have solar systems installed, according to Sharp. One-half of those surveyed would spend up to 10 percent more for a solar-equipped house, according to the company.
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Lots of people SAY they want solar powered homes, but when they find out how much the setup costs up front, I'm sure many people would not be willing to shell out the money.
its amazing that every one of our customers is number 5.
Yeah, this has been discussed all over the place. That 4 out of 5 doesn't talk about price.
i believe ppl r not getting solar panels b/c they think it will tarnish the look of the biggest part of their "american dream". time and time again we have seen ppl choose appearance over quality in everything. when ppl get over this, then the dependence on foreign oils and pollution/global warming(whatevr you want to believe - the destruction of our world) will certainly cease(well at least until the next "big(whatever the media wants to blow up that week choses)" thing happens.
I agree with the other posters here, this survey is ridculous. If you tell everyone it will save you money in the long run if you do this they say yes that sounds great. But if it means also shelling out money now prepare yourself for the U-turn.
Energy efficient mortgages help. But I don't think they go far enough to solving the problem.
For people who care about appearences, you can now buy solar PV 'tiles' that look just like ordinary roof tiles. People in the UK use them if they want PV in 'conservation areas' or listed buildings. The downside is that they cost even more than the conventional panels.
Go visit a Toll Bros or other developer model home and look at the "Extras" and "ammenities" that are featured in wall displays. Multiple carpet samples all essentially the same, etc. Then ask a delivery man how many of those homes he stops at have only furnishings in a few of the rooms. Its a matter of priorities. Scale down the "great room" , lower the foyer ceilings, eliminate the "walk in closet" in the guest room and move that money to a modest, scalable solar system. I'm convinced that if they offered it some would buy it.
Anyone can afford a solar system, if they invest about $1,200 in energy efficiency products for home & vehicles, then reivest their savings of $200 / month into a solar shingle/tile lease program which costs $175 / month. No impact to the household budget after the initial $1200 investment. Read the Freedom Plan blog on this topic at www.thefreedomplan.org (title "How to Pay Zero Energy Bills").
I just found this company that doesnt charge anything for the setup for solar what a great way to get solar on your house
http://www.citizenre.com/sandiego
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Writer's note: We've written about that great company: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/11/citizenres_renu.php
To everyone following the citizenre comments--please do your research! It seems very likely at this time that they are a pyramid scheme. Be careful before you sign up!!!