How can I see more of the construction documents or drawing details to see if I like the plan I have chosen?

Once you place an order and submit your deposit, Solar Plans LLC will contact you by email to arrange a meeting in person to show you a complete set of construction documents and to obtain your site plan information. Arrangements can also be made to electronically show you drawings. Remember, if you decide not to finalize an order with Solar Plans LLC your deposit will be refunded minus $150 retained for the communication and office time spent on our part.

What if I cannot decide between 2 plans from the catalog?

Once you place an order and submit your deposit, Solar Plans LLC will contact you by email to arrange a meeting in person to verify which plan works best for your needs. The deposit amount and final total amount due will be adjusted in case you select a plan in a different price group.

If our site is not in the Taos area, how does Solar Plans LLC obtain the site information, locate the house and improvements on the drawings?

Solar Plans LLC will communicate with you to see if you are able to provide the necessary information electronically. If your site is within 75 miles of the Town of Taos the pricing includes one on site meeting. Properties beyond the 75 mile radius do require a contracted additional fee for travel time and expenses.

I understand these are predrawn plans, but can Solar Plans LLC change or add anything?

Changes for the Solar Dozen homes are limited to porches[portals] and adding a garage for those plans shown without a garage. You will be able to choose between concrete floor[you finish however you like] or brick on sand floor. You will be choosing a wall system from the four types offered and described in the catalog. If you are looking for a custom home design contact us and we can provide a list of businesses providing that service in northern New Mexico. The Solar Dozen home plans are copyright protected with all rights reserved by Solar Plans LLC. If you make modifications or hire someone else to make modifications to these plans you are in violation of copyright laws and will be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Can Solar Plans LLC reverse the plans east to west?

Yes, if you request the floor plan to be flipped east to west we will provide that service for $200 additional fee. In most cases the plans were drawn to optimize comfort in summertime by placing less used buffer type of spaces on west walls, making sure kitchens are not on west walls, etc. Our plans cannot be flipped north to south unless you are building in the southern hemisphere where the warm winter sun is to the north.

How do I know if my site is appropriate for a passive solar home?

The plans indicate orientation of south wall to be facing within 10º of south. The winter sun is low in the sky so it is best to not have any shading obstructions from 45º east of south to 45º west of south. Ideally to avoid shading on your south wall make sure the obstruction [tree, another buiding, fence] is at least 3.5 ft away for every foot of height.

Can I see a home that is already built?

We need to protect the privacy of our previous clients, so Solar Plans LLC has a policy of not giving out addresses, directions, or contact information for the homes which have been built. All of these homes have been built by various contractors or owner-builders except Sol1870.

How do I find a builder that will follow the specifications and intent of the passive solar design, and overall green features?

Ask around in your community for names of quality builders who have been in business at least 5 years. When interviewing builders see some examples of passive solar and green homes that they have built. If they do not have experience or an interest in building a more energy efficient and healthier home look elsewhere! Solar Plans LLC has a list of contractors that have built from our passive solar designs and have very reputable businesses for at least 15 years.

How long does it take a contractor to build a Solar Dozen home?

If a contractor has a crew full time on your house building project the smaller homes should be completed in 4 months and the larger homes in 6 months from starting date of actual sitework.

What is the construction cost of a Solar Dozen home?

A difficult question to answer since material costs have risen rapidly and sporadically, along with fuel costs which impact all aspects of construction. Compared with a building code minimum home the additional insulation levels, solar hot water clerestory and Trombe walls will possibly add 5% to the overall cost. In 2006 the Taos area contractors estimates are in the range of $180 to $230 per square foot for residences of this type.

I do not feel comfortable using PayPal or my credit card on the internet. Can I send a check for the deposit instead?

You can send a cashier's check along with a printed out order form and printed out and signed liability / one time use only form. Go to the order page and you will find this option. We encourage using PayPal's secure site because you will have immediate confirmation of your order and Solar Plans will be immediately notified of your order.