So you own a historic home, and you’re wondering if you can install solar panels on it. Historic home renovations are often more complicated to get renovation approval for because they’re, well, historic. But did you know that the White House has solar panels? Yep, that’s right, the White House. If you’re wondering “Can I install solar on a historic home?”, not all hope is lost. It’s still a little bit of a process, but it’s doable.
Meeting the Standards
If you own a historic home, you know that there are certain standards you have to meet during renovation. This is no different when it comes to solar. There are federal, state, and local standards that must be met. According to the National Parks Service, “Solar panels installed on a historic property in a location that cannot be seen from the ground will generally meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.” However, state and local standards may be more strict, so you will want to verify these before proceeding with the installation.
Finding an Alternative
Did you know that solar panels don’t have to be installed on your roof? If you’re running into issues with a roof installation on your historic home, try a ground or pole mount. These are basically just what they sound like. With a ground mount, solar panels are mounted on the ground in your backyard. And with a pole mount, they’re mounted on a pole in your backyard. This way you can still get the benefits of solar without worrying about damaging your historic home.
With ground- or pole-mounted solar panels, you won’t see the same energy savings as you would with roof-mounted solar panels. However, you will be able to save the historical integrity of your home while still getting the significant energy and environmental benefits of solar panels.
Choosing a Contractor
Choosing a contractor is always important, but especially so when you’re working on a historic home. When you’re choosing a contractor, be sure to look for one who has installed solar on a historic home before and has good reviews. There is more risk renovating a historic home, so you want to make sure you get the best of the best. It’s also a great idea to choose someone local who is familiar with the state and local standards, since they vary.
Saving with Solar
While you will see a return on your investment with smaller energy bills, solar panels are still quite an investment. If you want to install solar on a historic home, you may need some financial help. At HFS Financial, we love seeing people go green, and we can help you find financing for solar. The process for all your home improvement financing needs is really easy. All you have to do is fill out a 60-second loan application, which will not affect your credit score. We will help find the best loan to finance your dream project. If you’re interested, give us a call at 1-800-254-9560. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and get you on your way to a greener life. “You Dream It, We Finance It.”