The California Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) is part of the comprehensive statewide solar program, known as the California Solar Initiative. The NSHP provides financial incentives and other support to home builders, encouraging the construction of new, energy efficient solar homes that save homeowners money on their electric bills and protect the environment.
What is an NSHP Solar Home?
In California's New Solar Homes Partnership, a solar home is a highly energy efficient home that uses photovoltaic (or PV) modules to generate electricity from the sun. While the science to convert sunlight directly into electricity has been around for decades, in recent years both the technology and economics have improved for photovoltaics, and now systems are becoming mainstream. Currently, California has tens of thousands of homeowners enjoying the benefits of solar on their homes.
A solar home with high energy-efficiency features offers homeowners:
- Clean, renewable energy
- Utility bill savings
- Predictable utility costs
- Protection against future rising electricity costs
Save Money - Go Solar!
Reduce utility bills.
Using California's abundant sunshine, homeowners save money on their bills through new energy efficient solar homes.
Coupling energy efficiency with solar technology reduces the homeowner's total energy needs and reduces utility bills.
Get paid for energy efficiency.
Homes from builders participating in the New Solar Homes Partnership are at least 15 percent more efficient than current building standards.
Builders are also encouraged to achieve 30 percent greater efficiency. California's utilities may offer additional incentives to help meet these efficiency levels.
Protect against rising energy costs.
Energy efficiency and solar energy give homeowners more energy independence because they are better protected against rising energy costs.
Solar homes generate power when electricity is the most expensive.
Earn tax credits.
Solar homes also qualify for a federal income tax credit. Energy efficiency measures may qualify the home for an additional $2,000 in federal tax credits.
Save the Environment - Go Solar!
Best of all, buying an efficient solar home is one of the most significant personal actions one can take to cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while helping to conserve precious energy resources for future generations. Plus, it reduces the need for costly new power plants.
Solar homeowners can be assured that their solar system works because they are backed with a 10-year system warranty. PV modules are warranted to last 20 years or more. Plus, the solar system must be tested and perform up to specifications before anyone can collect the incentive money from the NSHP.
