Solar Energy: Utah Dream Home Expo

Homes are getting equipped with energy resources like never before. A home can be fitted with a series of rechargeable batteries which can power a home in case of a power outage. By day, solar panels recharge the batteries. And the batteries are hooked up to power the most important parts of a home’s operation. So a home can be functional even with a long-term power outage.

In addition, more homes are using solar energy to reduce their energy costs. Thanks to tax credits, rebates, and cost savings, a system can pay for itself in a few short years.

Cost of equipment and install for a 2.5 kw system $10,500

Federal Tax credit – $3,150

Utah State Tax Credit (25% up to $2000) $2000

Rocky Mountain Power Rebate ($1.25 a watt up to $5000)- $3,125

So if they could make use of the tax credits and get the Rocky Mountain Rebate (which we put in for first of each year) the end cost is $2,225.

This is assuming they have tax liability and can make use of the credits from federal and state. They would save about 5,018 kw a year at current rate is about $602 a year. So based on this payback is looking about a 3.69 years.

Big Dog Renewable Energy will be on hand at the Utah Dream Home Expo.

The 1st annual Utah Dream Home Expo will be held May 10 and 11 at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy.

The event, which runs from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm both days, will feature experts in residential building and remodeling and will showcase new products including the latest trends and technologies in the building industry.

Local contractors will demonstrate their innovative products and services to elevate homes to become more state of the art. Visitors are encouraged to bring their building plans and their questions to receive free expert advice regarding design, remodel and landscaping challenges.

Expo exhibitors will be showcasing kitchens, windows, doors, room additions, fencing, remodeling contractors, landscaping, decks, flooring, appliances, home security, basements and solar energy. In addition, the event offers great food, give-a-ways, money saving discounts and informative seminars.

“We are excited to offer building experts on site to provide real-time help to current and future home owners,” said Jason Peterson President of the Home Builders Association of Utah.

Admission Prices to the Utah Dream Home Expo are $10 Adults at the door, $7 online
(children under 12 admitted at no charge). Parking is free.

Sponsors of the event are Wells Fargo, Home Builders Association of Utah, Workers Comp Fund, Questar, Utah Homebuilders Hub, Osmond Designs and Magleby Construction.