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Suggested Bird Seed and Feeders for Local Wild Birds

Monday, January 2, 2017
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Diggin’ In: Finding Feeders for Feathered Friends

Diggin’ In: Finding Feeders for Feathered Friends

After redoing our 10-year-old yard with new plants and patio, we added the icing on the cake: bird feeders for our feathered friends.

After planting eastern red cedars, hollies and other bird-attracting plants in the natural area outback, we visited several birding stores to select a feeding system.

In the past, we built our own systems. Our favorite was a 10-foot-long 4-by-4 cemented in the ground, and outfitted with squirrel- and raccoon-deterrent baffle and four 12-inch, vinyl-coated hooks. Caged feeders fend off squirrels and nuisance birds.

Feeder Poles 101 This time, we purchased an advanced feeder pole system and feeders from Wild Birds Unlimited in Virginia Beach, Va., part of a national franchise of stores.

I have had feeder poles before and disliked them because they twisted, turned and leaned in soft wet soil. It’s mainly why we did the 4-by-4 post and cement—nothing short of an earthquake was going to move that contraption.

The advanced pole system, however, looks sturdy, thanks to a stabilizer that slips onto the pole and into the ground. Installation is simple and straightforward: twist the 48-inch base pole 16 inches into the ground and then slide the stabilizer onto the 48-inch section. Several months later, the pole still stands straight, despite gusty winds and drenching rains.

Nuisance-Proof Feeders Snap-on, snap-off extensions give you a pole as tall or as short as you want. A double-crook arm provides hangers for two feeders; add a second arm for four feeders. Accessories such as a decorative finial, side-dish feeder, decorative branch perch and suet cage with bracket attach easily. Because the pole is located in the middle of the lawn, close to a window where I can watch birds as they feed, I placed a Yard Tuff mulch tree ring on the ground around the pole; the ring makes it easy for the mower and trimmer to go around the feeder system.

I am a long-time, diehard fan of caged bird feeders because they, along with a baffle, keep out squirrels, raccoons and unwanted birds like grackles and common blackbirds. Successful caged feeders have a wide, wide space between the feeding tube and the outside cage so paws and beaks can’t reach through and sneak a snack.

Easy-clean feeders are another good way to go. Some brands like Duncraft feature a pull-and-slide feature that frees all the feeding ports so you can scrub and rinse them, then reassemble the feeder without much effort. Other brands have bottoms that release and feeding ports that snap out for easy access, too. These feeders will cost you more than one-piece units but the price is worth it.

Here’s what birds like best, according to National Bird-Feeding Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cole’s Wild Bird Feed:Seeds Birds Like
February is National Bird-Feeding Month, a time to put out seed and suet that will bring birds to your backyard feeders, where you can watch them intently.  Suggested Bird Seed and Feeders for Local Wild Birds

  • Blackbirds – Suet, sunflower
  • Bluebirds – Mealworms, suet, sunflower meats
  • Cardinals – Safflower, suet, sunflower
  • Chickadees – Safflower, suet, sunflower
  • Doves – Suet, white millet
  • Finches – Suet, thistle
  • Grosbeaks – Suet, sunflower
  • Indigo Bunting – Suet, white millet
  • Jays – Corn, suet, sunflower
  • Juncos – Suet, white millet
  • Nuthatches – Suet, sunflower
  • Robins – Suet, sunflower meats
  • Sparrows – Suet, sunflower, white millet
  • Titmice – Safflower, suet, sunflower
  • Towhees – Suet, white millet
  • Warblers – Suet, sunflower meats
  • Woodpeckers – Suet, sunflower meats

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing expert for commercial, condo and homes in the Ann Arbor Michigan community and surrounding areas such as Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Milan Ypsilanti and Pinckney real estate markets.  Note the Search Properties link above to view a complete Inventory of homes and condos for sale.  Also click on the resources tab above for other helpful information Links, contractor discounts and sources.   Have questions want sell your home or get a price ?  Go to  www.MyPrice.guru to get started and see comparable Home sales.  Or maybe you want to search for property and view an updated MLS inventory report created for those Buying properties .  Hit the contact me link to the right or call us with any questions because we would love to hear from you.  We also have a Contractor Discount page here on our website or many helpful Links in the tab above for more resources.  

Ann Arbor Real Estate for Sale, Saline Real estate for sale, whatever the need in the surrounding areas, we have it using the navigation tabs above.

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Must Have Home features in your Market

Friday, December 30, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Must-Have Home Features? It’s Your Call

Master BathAn outdoor kitchen. Double sinks in the master bath. A wrap-around porch.  Solar panels. There are just so many things we want our new home to have.

However, when shopping for our dream home, it’s essential to steer the dream a little bit more toward reality. No home will have every single feature you desire, so before you set out on the search, sit down and think hard.

Also think long-term. While certain features may not matter to you, they may weigh heavily in determining your home’s resale value. According to a recent report by Kiplinger, there are seven features that will help sell a home faster: a laundry room; exterior lighting; energy efficient appliances and windows; a patio; hardwood floors; garage storage space; and an eat-in kitchen.

Related: The Future of Home Design: 4 Dominating Trends to Watch

For most of us, our must-haves are rooted in practicality – a classic case of needs vs. wants. Which would explain why some of the most unwanted features in a home, according to a National Association of Home Builders study, include a pet-washing station, an elevator and a wine cellar. Some important musts, therefore, often involve:

  • The number of bedrooms and/or potential to turn a room into an additional bedroom – are you planning on children? Need space for an in-law to move in?
  • The master bedroom – is it big enough for your king bed and does it include a master bath?
  • The number and condition of other bathrooms
  • The yard - how much space and privacy do you need to be happy?
  • The kitchen – do you need a new kitchen with high-tech appliances or are you willing to update down the road?
  • Closet space – is there adequate storage for your current belongings with room to expand?
  • The school district – an obvious factor if you have or are planning to have children, but also important if you don’t as it will affect your home’s resale value
  • Proximity to work – are you willing to commute or is a walkable community a high priority?
  • New construction – are you looking for a maintenance-free environment or the charm of an older home with DIY options?

Of course, your musts are very unique to you and your locale and, therefore, may vary from the above. The key factor in determining a must-have from a nice-to-have is whether it is something that can be cost-effectively and efficiently accomplished down the road, such as crown molding or a fire pit. Musts should be those features that are difficult and costly, if not impossible, to handle on your own, such as a bigger garage or a new roof.

Remember that above all, your “dream” home will be the one that grabs you for some intangible reason or for a combination of unexpected features you never knew you wanted until you saw them. So try to keep your must-list to a minimum and your open mind to a maximum—and most of all, enjoy the process.

When its time to make home improvements or buy or list your home, please call Tom to discuss improvements and what might help maximize your return equity or reduce you marketing days for instance.  You can also check out our contractor discounts page too for a list of any contractor that you may need who will do the job right and not gouge you on pricing.  Tom has used all of these contractors while building or getting other clients home prep or general upgrade projects done

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing expert for commercial, condo and homes in the Ann Arbor Michigan community and surrounding areas such as Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Milan Ypsilanti and Pinckney real estate markets.  Note the Search Properties link above to view a complete Inventory of homes and condos for sale.  Also click on the resources tab above for other helpful information Links, contractor discounts and sources.   Have questions want sell your home or get a price ?  Go to  www.MyPrice.guru to get started and see comparable home sales.  Or maybe you want to search for property and view an updated MLS inventory report created for those Buying properties .  Hit the contact me link to the right or call us with any questions because we would love to hear from you.  We also have a Contractor Discount page here on our website or many helpful Links in the tab above for more resources.  

Ann Arbor Real Estate for Sale, Saline Real estate for sale, whatever the need in the surrounding areas, we have it using the navigation tabs above. .

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Tips for Using your Basement instead of buying a bigger home

Wednesday, December 28, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

The Rise of the Basement: Top Tips

 

The Rise of the Basement: Top Tips

Basements are back. With houses at a premium, and a proliferation of DIY how-tos, more homeowners are feeling inspired to reclaim unused space. Check out the Tips for Using your Basement instead of Buying a bigger Home below.  

Updating your lower level is a sound investment. REMODELING magazine’s 2016 Cost vs. Value Report put the average basement remodel at $61,303, with a 70.3 percent payback—a far better return than adding a bathroom or garage.

Depending on local regulations, the additional space can often be added to your home’s total square footage, making your listing more appealing to buyers and potentially increasing your property’s value.

Tackle any needed repairs, including waterproofing your lower level. Seal your walls and floors first—hire a professional if you’re short on time.To recoup the most from your remodeling efforts, make sure your design and decorating choices are attractive and functional—not too quirky or customized.  For a list of qualified contractors go to our contractor discounts page for resources on sealing up cracks, finish carpenters, electricians etc for you project. 

Since below-grade spaces are usually cool, humid and prone to water damage, consider investing in a dehumidifier and choosing moisture-resistant products in the remodel.

Make sure your flooring choices stand up to moisture, too. Patch any cracks in the concrete floor, and consider adding a subfloor if the surface slopes or is uneven.Repair or replace the ceiling. Plaster any cracks and replace yellowing tiles. Look for products that are specially treated to resist the growth of mold and mildew. Savvy design choices, like coffered ceilings or wood planks, add style, and the results are easier to achieve than most people think.

Many homeowners gravitate to the warmth and soundproofing effect of carpeting in basements. Low-pile or Berber carpets resist wear and are inexpensive. A moisture-barrier pad between the carpet pad and the carpet adds another level of water resistance and reassurance.

Finishing your basement is a wise investment that will reap dividends for years to come. You’ll enjoy the added living space now, and realize a healthy return in the future.

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing condo and homes in the Ann Arbor Michigan community and surrounding areas such as Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Milan Ypsilanti and Pinckney real estate markets.  Note the Search Properties link above to view a complete Inventory of homes and condos for sale.  Also click on the resources tab above for other helpful information Links, contractor discounts and sources.   Have questions want sell your home or get a price ?  Go to  www.MyPrice.guru to get started and see comparable home sales.  Or maybe you want to search for property and view an updated MLS inventory report created for those Buying properties .  Hit the contact me link to the right or call us with any questions because we would love to hear from you.  We also have a Contractor Discount page here on our website or many helpful Links in the tab above for more resources.  

Ann Arbor Real Estate for Sale, Saline Real estate for sale, whatever the need in the surrounding areas, we have it using the navigation tabs above. 

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Real Estate Fashion Trends and Colors

Tuesday, December 27, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

The Hottest Colors of 2017: New Neutrals

 

The Hottest Colors of 2017: New Neutrals

Real Estate Fashion Trends and Colors - Make 2017 the year you update your Home with “new” neutrals—hot, timeless colors that pair well with hues like cornflower, taupe, wine and sunny yellow. A departure from the monochromatic shades of prior years, the new neutrals transition from black and white to beige, khaki and taupe tones—taupe, in fact, an earthen brown-gray, was named the 2017 Color of the Year by Sherwin-Williams.

“Poised Taupe celebrates everything people love about cool gray as a neutral, and also brings in the warmth of brown, taking a color to an entirely new level,” says Sue Wadden, director of Color Marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “Not cool or warm, nor gray or brown, Poised Taupe brings a sense of coziness and harmony that people are seeking.”

Taupe is an ideal complement to blue-grays, especially when applied in a French countryside theme in a kitchen or living room. Taupe also works well with a natural palette, such as citrus green and weathered bronze, creating an organic aesthetic.

Rich wine, as well, combined with taupe, evokes baroque and romanticism, elevating bedrooms to sophisticated spaces. A vibrant yellow, in addition, alongside taupe, adds a graphic element, ideal for homes offices—where creativity is most needed—or in children’s bedrooms or playrooms.

Real Estate Fashion Trends and Colors brought to you by 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing condo and homes in the Ann Arbor Michigan community and surrounding areas such as Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Milan Ypsilanti and Pinckney real estate markets.  Note the Search Properties link above to view a complete Inventory of homes and condos for sale.  Also click on the resources tab above for other helpful information Links, contractor discounts and sources.   Have questions want sell your home or get a price ?  Go to  www.MyPrice.guru to get started and see comparable home sales.  Or maybe you are searching for homes and want to view an updated MLS inventory report created for those Buying properties .  Hit the contact me link to the right or call us with any questions because we would love to hear from you.  We also have a Contractor Discount page here on our website or many helpful Links in the tab above for more resources.  

Ann Arbor Real Estate for Sale, Saline Real estate for sale, whatever the need in the surrounding areas, we have it using the navigation tabs above. 

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Suggestions for Proper Shoveling and Snow Removal Tips

Monday, December 26, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Shoveling Some Snow Removal Tips Your Way

Your Place: Shoveling Some Snow Removal Tips Your Way

Well another winter is upon us and with it comes a demand to remove the white stuff from our walks and driveways.  I’m a real stickler about snow removal, the result of growing up in Michigan and plowing and shoveling my way to lots of cash as soon as I could hold a shovel.

While people all around me use snow throwers, I shovel, even though I have had one of those infernal machines since 1997.

Last January’s blizzard was no exception. It took me 11 hours over two days, but it was exercise, and my gym routine has helped make such marathon sessions pain-free. I’m not everybody (and the rest of the world is grateful for that), so I want to share proper shoveling techniques for those who want to know.

First, if you’re out of shape, don’t exercise regularly, or have trouble breathing or heart problems, don’t shovel snow.

Dress in layers.

Bend at the knees, not at the waist (it’s just like playing tennis), and lift with your legs to protect your spine from injury.Stretch before you shovel to get those muscles working and have a better chance of not seriously hurting yourself.

If the snow is light and fluffy, you can simply push it out of the way—but use the same technique. Push the snow from the edge of the handle, shifting body weight from back leg to front leg instead of bending at the waist.

I know I sound like a (pick one) Pilates, yoga, TRX, tennis and swimming coaches, but protect your back by using your legs and abdominal muscles to lift the snow. “Pull in your abs and don’t boink,” as one says. If the snow is heavy and wet, bend the knees, lift with the legs, but move smaller amounts.

Rest regularly. If you try to shovel lots of snow at light speed, you increase risk of injury.

The shovel? It’s somewhere in the back of the garage, so you better start looking for it now. I buy a new one every three years, depending on how bad the previous winter was and if there was a lot of ice to deal with.

I prefer 18-inch-wide shovels with small blades and offset handles to cut down on back strain.

I have a brush with a telescoping handle for the car and a snow rake for the Home roof, plus a coarse-surface broom, and an ice chopper.

Cross your fingers for another mild winter, enjoy the outdoor exercise and take your time to avoid over doing it.

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing condo and homes in the Ann Arbor Michigan community and surrounding areas such as Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Milan Ypsilanti and Pinckney real estate markets.  Note the Search Properties link above to view a complete Inventory of homes and condos for sale.  Also click on the resources tab above for other helpful information Links, contractor discounts and sources.   Have questions want sell your home or get a price ?  Go to  www.MyPrice.guru to get started and see comparable home sales.  Or maybe you are searching for homes and want to view an updated MLS inventory report created for those Buying properties .  Hit the contact me link to the right or call us with any questions because we would love to hear from you.  We also have a Contractor Discount page here on our website or many helpful Links in the tab above for more resources.  

Ann Arbor Real Estate for Sale, Saline Real estate for sale, whatever the need in the surrounding areas, we have it using the navigation tabs above. 

 

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How Should Homeowners Prepare Their Home for Winter

Saturday, December 24, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

How Should Homeowners Prepare Their Home for Winter?

 

Ask the Expert: How Should Homeowners Prepare Their Home for Winter?

Q: What can homeowners do to ensure their home is well prepared and more energy-efficient throughout the coming months?

A: While winter is fast approaching, Tom and his team offers the following tips for homeowners as they prepare for the colder months ahead.

  • Have a professional evaluate the amount of insulation in your home to ensure it’s properly insulated and will keep your energy costs down.Inspect around windows and doors for cracks, and seal any openings with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent air and water from getting in your home.
  • Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly.
  • Visibly check the fireplace opening for loose or missing bricks and have screens in place to protect from any embers that may escape.
  • Look for raised, loose or missing shingles, which can allow water to get in, and replace if needed.
  • Remove hoses from outside spigots and store for the winter months.
  • Clean debris from gutters to prevent water from collecting and freezing.
  • Make sure all downspouts are pointed away from the foundation.
  • Have the HVAC units inspected and change furnace filters monthly for maximum energy efficiency and cleaner air.
  • Program thermostats to lower temperatures while at work or sleeping.

These simple steps can help homeowners maintain the health of their home over the winter months.

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing condo and homes in the Ann Arbor Michigan community and surrounding areas such as Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Milan Ypsilanti and Pinckney real estate markets.  Note the Search Properties link above to view a complete Inventory of homes and condos for sale.  Also click on the resources tab above for other helpful information Links, contractor discounts and sources.   Have questions want sell your home or get a price ?  Go to  www.MyPrice.guru to get started and see comparable home sales.  Or maybe you are searching for homes and want to view an updated MLS inventory report created for those Buying properties .  Hit the contact me link to the right or call us with any questions because we would love to hear from you.  We also have a Contractor Discount page here on our website or many helpful Links in the tab above for more resources.  

Ann Arbor Real Estate for Sale, Saline Real estate for sale, whatever the need in the surrounding areas, we have it using the navigation tabs above. 

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Merry Christmas Retro Performance by the United States Air Force Band

Monday, December 19, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Check out this performance by the USAF Band.  Happy HOlidays Everyone !

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder in the State of Michigan.  Check out the navigation tabs to search for homes for sale or listing inventory above.  Also note the school information and other resources Links plus contractor discounts.  

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In the Future - Building Homes with 3D Printing

Saturday, December 10, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Using 3D Printing in Home Building

Check out this video for an example of 3D printing a small Castle.  Look for improvements in this technology in the next few years.  Amazing how tech is evolving isn't it?  Check out the Tesla solar panel shingle option in our other Blog article.  

 

Building product ideas from Ann Arbor and Saline Area Broker and Builder Tom Stachler.  Use the Nav Tabs above to view other helpful resource Links or view an inventory of homes for sale in the Saline, Ann Arbor and other surrounding markets or check the value of your existing home at www.MyPrice.guru

 

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Double Tap Electric Connections in Your Electric Service Panel

Thursday, December 1, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
One of the most common electrical panel issues we come across are double-tapped breakers. A double-tap is when 2 wires are connected to a single pole. Electrical codes actually allow a certain number of double tapped breakers in an electrical panel. However, these connections can cause issues, and Home inspection associations recommend these connections be corrected.
 
This week's tip discusses why double-taps are an issue and how it can be fixed. Though some of you out there have various levels of knowledge about doing electrical work, we always recommend a licensed Electrician for all electrical repairs.
What is the problem?
Most panel breakers are only designed for single-wire connections (an exception is Square D breakers that have connections for 2 wires per breaker). The photo to the left shows a double-tapped breaker.
 
When 2 wires are compressed together at a breaker, one of the wires may not have as good of a connection as the other. This could result in arcing and potentially a fire.
How is it fixed?
The easiest fix is to remove the 2 wires and connect them to a third wire (called a "pigtail") with a wire nut, and connecting the third wire into the breaker. The photo to the left is a pigtail connection.
 
Another potential fix is to add another breaker to the panel, if there is room for it. This may be a better fix if the reason for the double tap was to avoid the additional work of adding a breaker in the first place, which may be over-stressing the circuit. A licensed Electrician can assess which fix is best for your situation.
We hope these tips have been helpful. Feel free to share it with anyone you think may benefit from it. 

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above
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Solar Shingle Roofs - Options and Costs

Monday, November 28, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

PV Solar Shingles Roof from Tesla: Evolution of Solar Roofing: Current Options & Costs

Up until 2011, “going solar” meant cumbersome glass and metal, crystalline PV panels the size of dining-room tables in heavy metal racks bolted onto your roof. As expensive as they were ugly, early solar panels were clunky enough to turn off all but the most committed environmentalists. Consumers also worried about maintenance and replacement costs, since solar panels could represent a significant financial outlay – $30,000 or more, about what a family can currently expect to pay in utilities over a decade.

pv-solar-roof-shingles

 

In 2011, Dow Chemical has disrupted the solar power industry when they unveiled their innovative PV solar shingles, an elegant, roof-integrated alternative to the “old-school” bulky crystalline solar panels for residential roofs. Dow’s PowerHouse BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics) solar shingles were quite appealing and easier to install than traditional PV solar panels. However, after just five short years Dow is getting out of the solar shingles business. They have decided to no longer manufacture and cease selling their break-through PowerHouse solar shingles

Until Dow discontinued its PowerHouse solar shingle line this past June, it was a fairly popular option for homeowners who wanted a BIPV solar shingles roof. PowerHouse shingles were wireless and easy to install, snapping together seamlessly. The shingles collected 12 watts of electricity per square foot, and were “grid-tied,” meaning they could send excess electricity into the local power grid through an inverter box system. Although the inverter box had to be set up by an electrician, the shingles were as easy to install as conventional asphalt shingles.

BIPV Solar Shingles Roof you can Buy Today and How much it will cost:

certainteed-solar-shingle-installation

 

CertainTeed’s Apollo line of grid-tied BIPV solar shingles are still on the market, and they collect about as much energy per square foot. Apollo shingles are designed for versatility, thin enough to lie on top of, integrate with, or replace an existing roof. Their silicon structure is designed to withstand winds of up to 110 mph. Although CertainTeed estimates that a 350-square-foot solar-shingle layer can cost as much as $20,000 to purchase and install, they also claim that it can cut a residential electricity bill by 40 to 70 percent.

A fully-integrated Solar Shingles Roof you can Buy Soon from Tesla:

tesla-solar-roof

Tesla’s recent merger with SolarCity has left everyone imagining great things for solar technology. Tesla is known for creative solutions to sustainability problems, as well as an “integrated clean energy” vision that incorporates an array of clean-energy ideas. They unveiled their newest innovation at the end of October, and it turns out to be an inspired riff on solar shingles!

How Do Tesla PV Solar Shingles Work?

how-dow-solar-shingles-work

Tesla solar shingles are designed to work in the same way as Certainteed Apollo and Dow Powerhouse technology, but Tesla went the extra mile to make sure their new solar shingles would appeal to consumers. As with Tesla’s electric cars, innovative function is never an excuse to neglect form. Although the tiles are made out of tempered glass, they’re available in four distinct patterns: smooth, distressed wood, rugged slate, and terra cotta. When they’re installed, they look just like a conventional roof.

tesla-solar-roof-options

The tempered glass has a similar molecular structure to quartz, and according to Tesla it has a “quasi-infinite” life-span. The tiles will even be fitted with heating elements to melt snow in colder climates. Since conventional roofing shingles only last 15-20 years, and are vulnerable to ice and water damage, this innovation could represent enormous savings.

Tesla hopes that its premium design – especially the idea of having an indestructible roof, whether you live in Maine or Michigan – will give them a market advantage. Tesla does score extremely high with customer satisfaction and brand commitment, so their bet may pay off in the long run.
So, how do Tesla’s “invisible” solar shingles work, and how do these glass tiles fit into a solar-power system? The basic mechanism is the same as the one used in conventional solar panels. Solar shingle and solar panel systems are both photovoltaic, meaning that they generate electricity from light. As we explained above, Tesla solar shingles are made out of textured glass designed to look like different types of roofing material. Light passes through this glass into a standard flat solar cell.

Tesla’s solar shingles operate at only a two-percent power transfer loss compared to solar panels, and Tesla’s engineering team hopes to increase energy efficiency over time. Their textured solar tiles contain microscopic louvers, or curves in the glass surface that reflect light. These are used to create opacity for textured solar tiles, so that they look like a piece of slate instead of a shard of mirror. Tesla engineers believe that these small reflective surfaces can eventually be used to boost the photovoltaic power of the solar tiles. There’s precedent for this idea – some solar panel designs already include mirrors or reflective surfaces designed to increase photovoltaic power in a similar way.

Tesla’s system stores accumulated power in lithium ion Powerwall batteries, so that solar power can be used to provide night-time electricity to the whole house. This battery addition is designed to ensure that residents can take full advantage of power generated during the day, when solar panel collection often outpaces energy use. Battery options are also a response to uncertainty about solar subsidies, which has damaged consumer confidence in the savings promised by solar power.

Lithium ion batteries haven’t yet caught on as a standard part of a solar package, but prices on this newer technology have been falling for the past several years, so look for lithium ion batteries to become more and more popular among Tesla and other manufacturers. Tesla’s betting that they will appeal to consumers, and that manufacturing costs may drop by as much as fifty percent over the next decade. Right now, unfortunately, Tesla’s solar batteries cost $5,500 – and depending on electricity use, a homeowner may need to purchase two or more!

Rollout and Projected Cost of Tesla Solar Roof:

Tesla envisions a rollout over the next nine months, hoping that solar shingles will account for five percent of all new roofs installed in the United States within two years. As with solar panels and electric cars, the initial expense might be out of reach for many consumers. However, Tesla hopes that over time, their solar shingles will become commonplace. They not only allow homeowners to power their homes via solar, but also to avoid many of the medium- and long-term costs of roof and Home maintenance.

Solar shingles will likely be among the most expensive roofing materials on the market for some time to come. However, roofing a single-family residence can cost between $7,000 and $70,000, depending on size, floor plan, materials, and a number of other factors. So it’s hard to tell just how much you’d have to spend on your own brand-new solar roof. Utility costs are on the rise, which means that potential savings over the next thirty or forty years could be huge.

Generous federal subsidies are still available, which means that now is an ideal time to invest in solar. Twenty-seven states offer additional incentives that can bring the price down even further. Solar remodels may also increase the resale value of your home, which might make it a worthwhile investment.

So, is the forecast sunny for solar shingles? It’s hard to say – and as with so many other new technologies, money is the deciding factor. Like their famous line of electric cars, Tesla solar panels are definitely a high-end home-improvement option. As with solar panels, there’s also the possibility that technological innovation could drastically lower costs in the near future. The promise of eventual savings, as well as the sheer ingenuity of Tesla’s solar shingle design, may make solar shingles an attractive option for homeowners.

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above.  

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