What is your opinion on all-electric ADUs?

[Anonymous]

I am just curious what is the communities opinion on all-electric ADUs? I am planning to convert my garage into an all-electric ADU and was wondering if there is any insight the community can provide as to the pros and cons of owning an all-electric ADU.

 

[Eric]

I am just curious what is the communities opinion on all-electric ADUs? I am planning to convert my garage into an all-electric ADU and was wondering if there is any insight the community can provide as to the pros and cons of owning an all-electric ADU.

That would actually be a really good idea for my in-laws. They put in solar several years ago and installed way more capacity than they need. So right now they're basically generating gobs of excess energy credits with the utility that they don't get any financial benefit from. An all-electric ADU would make sense for them, since the electricity to run it would essentially be free. I doubt this scenario applies to you, but if you happen to have PV installed and it's oversized, then that's a good reason to err toward electric with future energy consumption choices, including for something like an ADU.

I'll also point out, one big pro of an all-electric ADU is all the rebates and tax credits available for the appliances you'd be purchasing for it (e.g., heat pumps, etc.). Here's some national and state info you'll want to pay attention to on that front:
https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits
https://goldenstaterebates.clearesult.com/

You'll also want to see what other rebates your local utility might be offering...

 

[Anonymous]

That would actually be a really good idea for my in-laws. They put in solar several years ago and installed way more capacity than they need. So right now they're basically generating gobs of excess energy credits with the utility that they don't get any financial benefit from. An all-electric ADU would make sense for them, since the electricity to run it would essentially be free. I doubt this scenario applies to you, but if you happen to have PV installed and it's oversized, then that's a good reason to err toward electric with future energy consumption choices, including for something like an ADU.

I'll also point out, one big pro of an all-electric ADU is all the rebates and tax credits available for the appliances you'd be purchasing for it (e.g., heat pumps, etc.). Here's some national and state info you'll want to pay attention to on that front:
https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits
https://goldenstaterebates.clearesult.com/

You'll also want to see what other rebates your local utility might be offering...

Hello Eric,

Thank you for responding and bringing up the idea for tax rebates and credits -- I did not think of that. I will definitely take a look into this!

 

[Jeff]

The current CA energy code requires all the electrical to be run to easily convert to all electric ( laundry, stove, water heater...)

 

[Noctis]

If you live in California, it may be worth switching to solar panels. The decision depends on whether you have plans to move, how much sunlight your area gets, and whether you can apply for tax credits or incentives. After all, the installation and maintenance of solar panels are not cheap. It's a great investment in the long run, but you'll probably only feel it strongly after ten years.