ACROSS AMERICA — Motivated in part by surging utility costs, the residential solar market grew for the sixth consecutive year in 2022, and there are now 149 gigawatts of solar capacity installed nationwide, enough to power 26 million homes.
Environmentalists tout the use of solar panels — or photovoltaics (PV) to generate the electricity needs for the home — as important in our response to climate change.
But they can also save homeowners a lot of money once the initial investment is recouped. And the federal government offers tax credits for residential solar installations.
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With the increasing focus on green architecture comes the advent of “solar architecture” — the principle that construction can be both green and aesthetically pleasing. In How Much House, we feature three such houses in New Hampshire, Washington and Wisconsin featured
New Hampshire | $650,000
24 Tarbell Road, Peterborough
Listed by: Denise Whitney | Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, The Masiello Group
Square feet: 2,602
Acreage: 53.44 acres
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 (2 full)
Year built: 1981
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Solar panels provide the electricity to cool this contemporary three-bedroom home sitting on a more than 50-acre horse farm in western New Hampshire.
The house is modest but spacious. On the first floor are a large kitchen with custom cabinetry, a dining area and living room with a wood stove, and a bedroom and bath.
On the second floor are two more bedrooms with skylights, a shared bath, and a loft area that could be used as an office, playroom or second living room. The ground level has a bath, workshop area and more space for living or storage.
The deck on the front of the house overlooks the pastures and perennial gardens, and includes an awning for those days that are made for the shade.
The eight-staff barn includes a large tack room, feed room and a manure disposal system that’s covered so you won’t get rained or snowed on while cleaning the barn. The hay loft holds more than 1,800 bales of hay, and the property features multiple pastures, sheds and an outdoor riding arena. Trails that abut the property will take equestrians on miles-long rides. Peek inside for more photos.
Washington | $2,297,000
61 Rinky Dink Lane, Cle Elum
Listed by: Marcel Dolak | Engel & Volkers Kirkland
Square feet: 4,000
Acreage: 0.54 acre
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5 (4 full)
Year built: 2015
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This modern home in the Nelsen Preserve sits on a quiet cul-de-sac with privacy and south-facing views of the Cascade Mountains. It’s outfitted with solar panels to keep utility costs down, and has soaring vaulted ceilings with walls of windows that let the light in.
Exposed beams and extensive use of metal, natural stone and wood add punch to this modern mountain retreat. This modern mountain retreat has a rare guest suite above the garage connected by a breezeway to the main home.
Other features include a gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, granite and custom cabinetry; a lavish primary suite with a spa-like bath; and four additional bedrooms.
Take in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest views from the patio, where there’s a hot tub and fire pit. Peek inside for more photos.
Wisconsin | $849,900
134283 Sugar Bush Road, Mosinee
Listed by: Amy Baumann | Coldwell Banker Action
Square feet: 4,875
Acreage: 5 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4 (3 full)
Year built: circa 2010
The approximately 12-year-old log home has solar panels and a geothermal heating system to keep utility costs low. The large home overlooks a private oasis that includes a fishing pond with a beach and massive deck, a gazebo-like covered fire pit area and a back patio with a hot tub.
A huge outbuilding offers plenty of storage space for a camper or other motorized toys, the other half is currently used as a “man cave” with a bar, gaming area and full bath.
On the main level of the house, you’ll find laundry facilities with granite counters and built-in cabinets, a walk-in coat closet and a half bath for guests. The huge kitchen has custom-built hickory cabinets, granite countertops, counter seating for three people, above and below cabinet lighting, a walk-in pantry, and set of patio doors off the dining area to a deck. The impressive great room has a gas fireplace and newer carpet, and offers great views of the back yard and sunsets. Peek inside for more photos.
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