Empower Your Home, Enrich Your Future
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Assessment Phase Overview
The Assessment Phase is where you get educated and intentional about:
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Your household energy needs,
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The feasibility of your projected physical site requirements and concerns,
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Evaluation of your investment's return on investments return on Investment expectations, and
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More evaluation of you given technology alternatives.​​
Full details are available to ResEPA Members
Site Specific General Censidations
By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, homeowners can make an informed decision (often during the Q&A and selection of contractors) about which renewable energy solution(s) best fit their specific circumstances, balancing factors such as cost, environmental impact, energy independence, and long-term value.
For Solar: Days of Sunlight per year
Solar Exposure Analysis
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Roof orientation and tilt
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Shading analysis (trees, buildings, chimneys)
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Roof condition and remaining lifespan
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Available roof or ground space​
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Tools:
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Solar pathfinder
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Satellite imagery and 3D modeling software
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On-site solar assessment by professionals
Geothermal Potential
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Soil Composition and Thermal Conductivity
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Available Land for horizontal Loops or space for vertical drilling
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Proximity to water tables or bedrock
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Local geological surveys
Wind Resource Assessment
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Average wind speeds at proposed turbine height
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Wind rose diagrams for prevailing wind directions
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Topography and obstacles affecting wind flow
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Long-term weather data analysis
Local Climate Factors
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Temperature extremes affecting system efficiency
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Precipitation patterns (snow load on solar panels, rainfall for rainwater harvesting)
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Severe weather considerations (hurricanes, tornadoes)
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Full details are available to ResEPA Members
System Reliability and Resilience - Overview
Power Outage Mitigation
• Battery backup capabilities
• Islanding potential for off-grid operation
• Comparison of outage protection between different technologies
Weather Resilience
• System performance in extreme weather conditions
• Physical durability (e.g., hail resistance for solar panels)
• Flood and lightning protection measures
Long-Term Performance Guarantees
Long-Term Performance Guarantees
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• Manufacturer warranties
• Performance guarantees
• Installer workmanship warranties
Overview ROI Calculations for Different Options
Initial Investment
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• Equipment costs
• Installation labor
• Permitting and inspection fees
• Potential structural upgrades
(e.g., roof reinforcement for solar)
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Ongoing Costs
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• Maintenance and repair estimates
• Insurance premiums
• Replacement parts (e.g., inverter replacement for solar)
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Energy Savings Projections
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• Estimated annual energy production or savings
• Projected increases in utility rates
• Degradation factors
(e.g., solar panel efficiency loss over time)
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Financial Incentives
• State and local rebates
• Utility company incentives
• Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) where applicable
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Economic Considerations
• Increase wealth though Increased home equity
• Reduced impact of energy disruptions
• Energy dependent lifestyle preservation
• Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) where applicable
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Financing Considerations
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• Cash purchase vs. loans or leases
• Interest rates and loan terms
• Impact on home value and marketability​​
​​Tools:
• PVWatts Calculator (for solar)
• RETScreen (for various renewable technologies)
• Custom ROI spreadsheets
Payback Period and Long-Term Value
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• Simple payback period calculation
• Net Present Value (NPV) analysis
• Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
• Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) comparison
Integration and Membership Content
Key Issues
Smart Home Compatibility
• Integration with home energy management systems
• Compatibility with existing smart thermostats or
appliances
• Potential for demand response participation
HVAC System Coordination
• Compatibility of heat pumps with existing ductwork
• Integration of solar thermal with existing water
heating
• Potential for hybrid systems (e.g., geothermal +
air source heat pump)
Electrical Panel Capacity
• Assessment of current panel capacity
• Need for upgrades or sub-panels
• Smart panel options for improved energy management
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Membership Resource Links
These membership links include time saving information and will evolve and constantly be enhanced ...
This content shares a detailed example of a complete ROI Analysis that compares significant generic renewable energy costs and benefits and compares the resulting economic parameters to the historic performance of the United States stock market.
This content shares some of the key elements and tools that can be performed by a typical homeowner.