Rising costs for heating and electricity in our homes, as well as concern for the environment, have made energy efficiency a top priority for homebuyers. Finding a home with solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity or hot water will go a long way in lowering your bills and your carbon footprint, and some power generation systems make money from fees. “First, make sure the panels are yours, as they often don't belong to the home,” advises David Hilton, environmental expert at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show. “Next, find out what the fees (if any) are for old rigs, because old rig fees are very generous, with a 25-year warranty. Check when the installation is complete, how much time is left for the incentive payment, and have a certified technician check the system."
1. Auchencairn, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway offer over £325,000.
This sprawling stone shack was once the city's police station, but today its individual cells are scattered across the roof on 16 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that generate electricity. Built around 1910, it has four bedrooms, two on the ground floor and two upstairs, as well as two modern bathrooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a living room, an office and a large garden room with stunning sea and field views. Contact Jopa.
2. Plurien, Côte d'Armor, Brittany, France, €373,500 (c. £329,214)
Buyers in Brittany get much more for their money than in the south of France, as evidenced by this large stone country house five minutes from Sables d'Or on the beautiful Emerald Coast. It has been in the same family since it was built in 1931 and consists of a four-bedroom main house, an adjoining studio and various outbuildings. Electricity generated by solar panels reduces costs. Learn more about Leggett Immobilier International.
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3. Woughton, Norfolk, £500,000
Complete character, XVII. This 19th century country house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an attractive kitchen/dining room, living room, lounge, garden and original details such as thatched roof, exposed beams, fireplaces, cornices and keystone. Gate bills are lower than you'd expect from a listed building of this age, air pumps heat and cool the dining room and garden, solar panels on the roof of the garage provide electricity, and another panel heats the garage. via End & Country.
4. Brentwood Acres, Brentwood, Essex, from £500,000
All new 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses in this complex are equipped with solar panels that are powered by electricity. They also have electric vehicle charging points and ground source heat pumps, allowing buyers to save up to £3,100 a year on home bills compared to older properties. A new four-bedroom show house and a second phase of homes called The Gardens will go live on Saturday, April 22nd. Contact Fairview New Homes.
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5. Keyston, Pembrokeshire offers over £685,000.
Mitigate rising cost of living by bidding on this four-bedroom home equipped with solar panels that not only generates electricity, but also generates income through an incentive program (closed to new applicants in 2019). A static caravan is paid as a holiday rental, and the lot that is part of the lot can be used for camping. Find out more about Purplebricks.
6. Camber, Rye, East Sussex, £850,000
This modern four bedroom home is steps away from the famous Camber Sand Dunes and five miles from the beach. The house, built by the current owners, has a low environmental impact and is highly energy efficient. Underfloor heating is controlled by an air source heat pump powered by discrete solar panels on a predominantly south facing roof. Available through Phillips & Stubbs.
7. Milford-on-Sea, Leamington, Hampshire, £1.7 million
If you want a home with a pool but don't like the cost of heating, take a look at this beautiful 1950 home. It has three living rooms, a large kitchen, an office, four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, hot water through solar channels. and swimming pool abroad. The retractable pool cover helps maintain the temperature and extends the life of the pool throughout the season. Market through Winkworth.
8. San Remo, Italy, €2.7 million (about £2,376,271)
With an integrated photovoltaic system that produces electricity and heat, this luxury villa is completely self-sufficient with zero carbon emissions. You won't have to change your heater often as you are on the beautiful Mediterranean coastline enjoying endless sunshine most of the year. It has seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, a landscaped garden with a swimming pool and barbecue area, as well as panoramic views of the sea, coast and sunsets. Through IB International Real Estate.
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9. High Bickington, Devon, £2.75m
The carbon-free Deptford Big House was built in 2020 on a 2,000-year-old site and features some of the ancient structural elements found during archaeological digs, as well as high-performance insulation and triple glazing. Spread across seven acres, the home spans three floors and features a double height veranda, five bedrooms and a large kitchen/living room. It is heated by a geothermal heat pump and electricity is generated by battery-powered solar panels on those days when the sun struggles to rise. via Daisy Leyland.
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