Exploring the Benefits of Solar Power for Modular Homes
With tremendous advances in solar technology and governments moving toward supporting solar installation for all homeowners, it seems clear that solar power and sustainable homes are the way of the future.
But what about those of us who are not "traditional" homeowners? Can pre-fab and mobile homeowners also take advantage of the benefits of solar power? Can modular homes also be green homes?
The short answer is yes! In this article, we'll look at energy efficiency for different modular homes and how these homes can benefit from solar installation.
Benefits of Solar Modular Homes
It may interest you to know that factory-built homes are already, in general, more eco-friendly and more energy-efficient than site-built homes. This is true whether or not they come with solar power or have had solar power installed.
This is partly because of the construction process. Modular homes are built indoors by a single company and are held to consistent and exacting standards. Many are built with high-performance insulation and energy-efficient windows, siding, and roofs. Additionally, the materials used to build these homes take less energy to produce and create less waste than traditional homes.
Many companies are now taking the energy efficiency of modular homes one step further by producing green modular homes. Green homes are built using green materials and building processes and utilizing technology like solar panels.
Modular, Manufactured, and Prefab - What's the Difference?
While reading about the benefits of factory-built homes, you may come across a few different terms: modular homes, manufactured homes, and prefabricated homes. These terms sound similar and are sometimes used interchangeably. So what's the difference?
What is a modular home?
A modular home is a house built in a factory and shipped section-by-section to the building site. The home is usually 80-90% complete when it arrives at the site, and construction is finished on-site. A modular home can be built in any style and out of any material.
Modular homes are often indistinguishable from traditional or "stick-built" homes. They are built on a permanent foundation and are governed by the same zoning laws as traditional homes. Once complete, a modular home is effectively the same as a traditional house.
What are manufactured homes?
The key difference between modular and manufactured homes is that manufactured homes are not held to the same local, state, and regional building codes required for on-site homes. Manufactured homes are governed by a federal code set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Manufactured homes are what most people are thinking of when they think of "mobile homes." They can only legally be built in zones designated for their construction. They may be built on either a permanent or temporary foundation or may have wheels.
What is a prefab home?
Prefabricated, or "prefab," is a loose term generally applied to any house constructed off-site and shipped to its final location. A modular home is usually at least 70% prefabricated.
The terms "prefab home" and "modular home" are often used interchangeably, but the primary difference between them is that a prefab house is usually fully constructed before shipping, whereas a modular home will be built in sections and completed on-site.
Put simply, all modular homes are prefabricated, but not all prefabricated homes are modular.
Are Modular Homes Energy Efficient?
A factory-built home is a great choice for the modern homeowner concerned with sustainability. Even without solar, a factory-built home is more efficient than a traditional home. Add solar, and the benefits skyrocket.
For starters, the process used to construct a factory-built home not only cuts construction costs but is far more efficient than that of a traditional home. With up to 90% of the houses built in a single location by a single company, some prefab processes reduce construction waste by up to 50%.
Next, the controlled factory environment means that the home is built to consistent standards and with minimal error. All materials are rigorously inspected and held to specific, consistent standards. This means better home insulation and lower heating and cooling energy consumption.
Do Modular Homes Come With Solar Panels Installed?
These days, there are many options for homeowners interested in installing solar on their modular or manufactured homes. Some come with solar panels pre-installed, while others have the option for solar power to be added later.
It is recommended to have a solar installer check the site and verify the roof type of the modular home to help determine if you can add solar to your modular home. Some homes may not be able to support solar panels, regardless of whether the local and state laws allow solar installation on the site.
Regarding manufactured or mobile homes, some can support solar, and some cannot. Whether or not a manufactured or mobile home can have solar installed may also be dictated by the laws of the site on which it is built. Your solar installer will be able to help you here as well.
Modular Home Builders Using Solar Panels
As homeowners become increasingly aware of climate change and the need for sustainable homes, many modular home companies are leaning toward the "green home" movement by building green homes that maximize energy efficiency and minimize waste.
Most of the homes built by these companies come “solar ready,” so you can easily add solar power to your home after it’s delivered. Some even have the option for solar panels to be installed when they are delivered. Most modular homes come with appliances meant to minimize energy consumption. One modular home builder even incorporates a "green wall" inside the home so you can grow food regardless of climate or weather.
These green homes use up to 70% less energy than their traditional counterparts and can be constructed to be run completely independently of the power grid. (Check your local laws if you plan to build an off-grid home - not all states allow homes to be completely off-grid.)
Here are a few of our favorite modular home manufacturers with whom we have had the honor of working with, or have partnered with in some capacity.
Mighty Buildings for net-zero energy homes
Mighty Buildings is a revolutionary example of a company embracing the "green home" movement using 3D printing technology. They build stylish, energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes for conscientious homeowners.
Mighty Buildings went so far as to complete the first net-zero energy home. One of the ways that Mighty Buildings succeeded in this endeavor was by using Array Solar Modules to power their homes.
Dvele offers beautiful, modern, complete homes
Building a home can be stressful, and not just the building part. Making the final choices about appliances, finishes, and fixtures is overwhelming. Dvele delivers a complete home based on your specifications, ensuring every home item is sustainable and durable. Dvele makes building your new home effortless and stress-free by doing all of the research for you.
Regardless if you want to add solar power immediately, every home is equipt to be solar-ready, so you can add it whenever you're ready. Array is a partner with Dvele, so when you're ready to add solar, we're here to support you!
Thrijv offers a truly regenerative home and lifestyle
Thrijv takes "off-grid" to a new level. They build modular home pieces that can mix and match together to create the regenerative home of your dreams. Focused on a truly off-grid lifestyle, their homes generate power, collect water, manage waste, and even grow food.
You can choose from four different preconfigured styles of modular homes, and they have a team on board who can design a custom home to meet nearly any needs. Modular sections are shipped to the home site and can be connected and ready for move-in within a few days.
Array's SlimFit solar modules perfectly complement Thrijv's modular home builds.
Modular Homes: Sustainable Housing for the Future
When people think of "green homes," they often think of tiny homes. But these days, going tiny is unnecessary just to go sustainable. A wide array of modular and prefab options are available to the modern climate-conscious home buyer.
When it comes to sustainable living, modular homes are a no-brainer. Not only do they reduce construction costs and time before move-in, but they also save you money in the long run by being more energy efficient and easier to maintain than traditional site-built homes.
Modular homes are better for the planet for your lifetime and generations to come. Qualify your roof today to see if Array can complement your modular home.
