A Guide to Solar Energy

Fratantoni Luxury Estates • November 14, 2016

Solar energy systems are now more varied, reliable and cost-effective, and solar energy can be harnessed to power almost anything under the sun. With growing usage, this renewable source of energy will have a major beneficial impact on our carbon footprint. Solar energy systems range from powering a region to heating a house or pool. Many of the solar at-home systems come with substantial federal, state and local credits, as well as utility-granted incentives. When considering the use of solar energy, take the time to explore ways you can integrate solar energy systems in your home to choose the best option for you.

Powering the Home: On the Grid vs. Off the Grid

A basic step in evaluating the use of solar energy in your home is deciding whether you wish to be “on the grid” or “off the grid.”

On the Grid

An on-the-grid system means you’re still connected to your utility’s grid. Keeping connected to a utility is a good way to ease into a solar power system. Staying on the grid allows power to still reach your house at night when the solar energy system may not keep up with the home’s energy demands. Staying connected benefits the homeowner and the energy company. When a residential system generates more electricity than needed, the excess power is sent to the utility grid. When this happens, the at-home power meter actually turns backward, leading the energy companies to pay the homeowner for the surplus energy.

Staying connected to the grid also allows homeowners to reduce the up-front cost for installing a system. Here, the solar energy system will reduce energy costs as opposed to eliminating them.

Off the Grid

Off-the-grid solar power is most popular in areas where grid power is limited. The more remote a residence, the more cost-effective the solar system. An off-the-grid solar system does not rely on the utility grid; instead, it relies on available solar radiation. This system is able to collect, regulate, convert and distribute solar energy harnessed through the system. Usually, an off-the-grid system will utilize another form of energy, such as a diesel generator, as backup.

Before going off the grid, the residence should have a large area of exposed and uninterrupted sunlight for a good part of the day. When building a new house, utilizing building materials with exceptional insulation features is especially important, as this will cut down on energy needs. Federal and state governments provide subsidies and incentives for implementing off-the-grid systems.

Solar Heating Alternatives

If a homeowner is not ready to commit to a solar energy system, installing a solar power water heater or a solar powered swimming pool system is a great alternative that can reduce monthly energy bills.

According to Energy Star, the joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, qualified solar water heaters can cut water heating bills in half and significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Though a solar water heater may take 10 years to pay itself off, homeowners can take advantage of federal and state tax credits to recoup the initial costs. Energy Star claims that a qualified solar water heater will prevent 4,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. This is equivalent to not driving a car for four months every year.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a swimming pool for the hot, lazy summer days, another energy- and money-saving alternative is a solar swimming pool heater. According to the Department of Energy, a solar pool heater can significantly reduce heating costs and is cost-competitive with gas and heat pump pool heaters.

The solar pool heating system costs between $3,000 and $4,000 to buy and install. At this amount, payback is usually between 1.5 to 7 years, depending on your local fuel costs.

Other ways to incorporate solar power into your home include outdoor solar powered lighting, solar boats/RVs and solar powered cars. The future for solar energy is very bright, as it will save users money in many different ways. Plus, it will significantly reduce the carbon imprint.

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5 Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing a Design/Build Firm (And Why Discerning Homeowners Choose Fratantoni Luxury Estates)

By Alexis Kesaris • May 7, 2025

Building a custom home should be an experience marked by excitement, creativity, and complete trust in the team guiding you through it. But as we’ve seen time and again, placing your dream in the wrong hands can lead to disappointment, delays, and costly mistakes. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we’ve earned a reputation for building exceptional homes for discerning families across the nation. Many of our clients come to us after working with firms that didn’t meet their standards—and they’re often relieved to find the level of service, detail, and sophistication they expected from the start. Before you commit to a design/build firm, watch for these five red flags that could derail your custom home experience and discover how we intentionally do things differently. 1. Vague Proposals and Unrealistic Estimates If a proposal lacks clarity, feels overly “cookie-cutter,” or seems too low for the level of finishes you expect, take pause. Bespoke homes require bespoke planning. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, our proposals are precise, detailed, and tailored to the scale and style of your estate. You’ll know exactly what’s include and what to expect so there are no surprises down the road. 2. Disconnected Teams and Outsourced Design When architecture, design, and construction are handled by different firms, communication gaps are inevitable—and those gaps show up in your finished home. Our in-house team of architects, designers, and builders work seamlessly together, ensuring a unified vision and flawless execution. This full-service model is how we create homes with harmony, balance, and timeless design integrity.

courtyard with luxury outdoor furniture and fireplace

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Discover how to design a luxury courtyard oasis that offers privacy, tranquility, and year-round indoor-outdoor living. From elegant materials to expert architectural tips, this guide covers everything you need to know about creating the perfect private retreat.