Challenges With Energy

Low energy yield

While green energy has a high efficiency vs energy input, the energy yield it produces is quite low. The energy sources which are used to power bio-homes, such as solar panels, can be quite expensive. Renewable energy sources tend to be vulnerable depending on the location of the energy source, and so a proper, well-maintained place is required for these energy sources.

Slow Energy

Renewable energy production is slow. This means that the customer has an energy threshold on their monthly consumption. Homeowners must take in account the energy yield of their home by assessing the amount of energy their home outputs. Homeowners may not be able to go completely solar if the energy consumption of their home is too inefficient. Energy audits include use tools to analyze the efficiency of energy in homes.

Challenges with Cost and Materials

Problems With Cost

Certain bio-homes have materials that are very expensive to use for building. It can be difficult to sell your bio-homes once you buy them. This is because most realtors and buyers are not aware about green home products and the construction involved. Bio-homes can often be hard to maintain for multiple different reasons which include high down-payment costs, bills, etc.

Problems With Materials

As most bio-homes have a high demand for solar energy, it raises the need for them to be placed in specific locations that can provide the most sunlight. This moves these bio-homes away from regular places to more isolated places. Materials can be hard to find to build the bio-homes, especially in most urban areas which are not very bio-friendly areas (Urban areas constitute the majority of the human population). Most bio-homes lack an air-cooling system, because they mostly run on heat sources and are not designed for hot areas because they do not have any air ventilation systems.

Challenges with the EPA

What is the EPA?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a governmental agency which seeks to protect the health of humans and the environment. It accomplishes its goals by developing and enforcing rules and regulations for companies and states, and other entities. When planning a bio-home, be sure to follow regulations posted by the EPA. Failing to do so will result in the denial of a request* to build a bio-home.

*While the EPA regulates environmental issues that are related to houses, installation of renewable energy is mostly a region specific concern.

The Solar Power Purchase Agreement

If you are currently interested in buying solar for your current home you might need to look at what a Solar Power Purchase Agreement is. A Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) is an agreement in which a third party operates the system and the customer hosts the system's electric output. You simply supply the property in which the solar panels are located.

The Problems and Downsides With the SSPA Agreement

Not directly owning the PV (Photovoltaic) system could lead to long term issues such as possible damages and moving houses. More issues include:

Financial benefits are gained by the third party (tax credits and income).
More complex negotiations and potentially higher transaction costs than buying PV system outright.
Administrative cost of paying two separate electricity bills if system does not meet 100 percent of the site's electric load.
Potential increase in property taxes if property value is reassessed.
Site lease may limit ability to make changes to property that would affect PV system performance or access to the system.

It is important to understand trade-offs related to REC ownership/sale.

Challenges with Zoning

What are Zoning Laws for?

The purpose of zoning laws is to regulate impacts that may not be in the best interests of the people including:

Protecting value of properties by separating incompatible land uses.
Protecting future developments of the city or town.
Regulating public infrastructure.

Zoning laws are often flexible since future plans are not always deterministic.

Implementation of Zoning Laws

Zoning laws are region specific. Make sure to research the county's or city's zoning laws to ensure you do not violate any laws.

Typically, certain renewable energy types are not specified in a county's or city's zoning laws, but are often still allowed in that county or city. Installation still holds many problems if there are not any specific rules about renewable energy. Neighbors or other residents could sue you for the installation of a solar panel for a variety of reasons so make sure to properly review the local area's zoning laws.

Challenges with The HOA

What is a Home Owner's Association (HOA)?

The Home Owner's Association is an organization created to regulate residential communities. Most residential communities have an HOA and these HOAs have their own specific rules. Some of the main functions of an HOA are to:

Set and approve various laws and conditions regarding the neighborhood.
Review and manage residential complaints.
Enforce rules set by the HOA.
Create committees and manage them.

Planning For Homeowners Association

When planning your bio-home or planning the installation of renewable energy sources, make sure to consult with the HOA about specific rules regarding this matter. In most residential areas, the HOA will approve of the installation of renewable energy or construction of a bio-home as long as the state also approves as well.

Renewable Energy Licensing/Certification

For renewable energy, most states do not require licensing or certification, but licensing or certification is needed to be eligible for financial benefits. The website solarenergy.org shows requirements for industry professionals. Make sure you understand these licenses and certifications and ensure your professional is using these standards. If your area has an HOA, the HOA will investigate the professional that is installing your system and will notify you if they are following the HOA rules and regulations.

Challenges With Planning