Resources + real-world framing
Solar & Green Energy
Ideas, resources, and a practical path to building greener
Start smart, ask better questions
If you’re exploring solar, energy efficiency, and “green building,” you’re in the right place. We put this page together to preserve a few helpful learning links and to give you a clear, no-pressure way to think about what “going green” could look like in your home—whether you’re aiming for a handful of smart upgrades or dreaming about a future net zero or certified green home.
Green homes aren’t fringe anymore. They’ve moved from “alternative” to mainstream, and the momentum has been building for years. Research shared by Dodge Data & Analytics in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that in 2015 nearly one third of home builders (31%) reported they were doing green builds for more than 60% of their projects, and over half (51%) expected to be doing that level of green building work by 2020. The same research noted that over 80% of builders expected that by 2020 more than 16% of the homes they build would be green housing—and green remodeling has continued to grow, too.
That’s good news if you want a home that feels better to live in, costs less to operate, supports your health, and reduces environmental impact. It also means you have choices.
Learn About Solar Energy
Solar can be a powerful piece of a greener home plan—but it’s not the only piece, and it’s smartest when you understand the basics first. If you’re in the research stage, start here:
- Learn About Solar Energy
You can also look into utility incentives. For example, NV Energy offers credits for adding solar systems to your home. You can review what’s currently available here:
- NV Energy solar incentives (credits)
Have questions while you’re reading—like what’s realistic for your lot, roofline, budget, or long-term goals? Reach out through our Contact Us page and we’ll talk it through.
Practical, not all-or-nothing
Going Green? Start With the Right Mindset
A greener home doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Yes, some homeowners are interested in building the home of their dreams as a net zero home or a certified green home—and others simply want green home elements that make everyday life better.
Either way, the best approach is to match your goals to choices that make sense right now.
Green building is becoming more accessible in part because technology costs have been dropping. In the same industry research cited above, builders reported that the cost differential to go green declined to 10% (compared to 11% in 2006)—even as more green elements were being incorporated. As products become more common, many green home technologies can now be purchased right in a local hardware store, and even large national homebuilders have started offering green options across a range of price levels.
The important takeaway: you can build greener without feeling boxed into the strictest definition of “green.”
Make progress in phases
Green Building Doesn’t Have to Mean Net Zero
We love ambitious goals—but we also love smart, steady progress.
It’s worth repeating: building a greener home does not mean you have to conform to the strictest requirements or make your new home Net Zero Energy (where it produces more energy than it uses). You can aim to continually improve your home’s efficiency and environmental impact while choosing solutions that fit your budget today—and still make your home meaningfully greener.
If you’re unsure where to start, one of the most helpful frameworks is simply this:
- Learn what’s possible (resources below)
- Decide what matters most to you (comfort, operating cost, durability, impact)
- Choose a realistic “Phase 1” plan now, with room to add later
Going Green? Build Smaller
One of the most practical (and often overlooked) green building concepts is right in the name of this resource:
- Going Green? Build Smaller
Even if you don’t change anything else, thoughtful sizing can reduce the materials you use and the energy you need—without sacrificing how your home lives day-to-day. If you’re early in planning, this idea can influence everything that comes next.
Questions About Green Features for Your Home?
This page is meant to help you learn and get inspired. If you’re wondering how solar or green building elements could fit into your plans—new build, remodel, or “we’re still figuring it out”—we’re happy to talk.
Head over to Contact Us and tell us what you’re considering. We’ll help you sort through options and take the next step with clarity.