Another 187 solar-powered, super energy-efficient SolarSmart homes will be built in the Sacramento area in an agreement between utility, SMUD and homebuilder D.R.Horton. In the agreement, SMUD provides funding to buy down the cost of solar and energy efficiency equipment in all the homes. Groundbreaking has begun and models are being constructed in the Provence neighborhood in Natomas.
Residents of these SolarSmart homes may save as much as 60 percent annually on their electric bills through the energy-efficient features and the solar roof tiles that generate electricity. The homes are also rated Silver by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®). LEED standards were developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and provide independent, third-party verification that a building meets the highest performance standards and is proof that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live or work. In addition to the built-in solar panels, SolarSmart homes also boast many energy efficiency measures to help customers reduce their bills year-round. The energy efficiency measures include efficient HVAC systems, radiant barriers in attics, added insulation, duct sealing and energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting.
The community benefits as well with solar home developments. Less electricity will be needed to serve the homes, especially at peak demand times, like hot summer days, when power is most expensive. The 183 homes are expected to shave nearly 276 kilowatts off the peak, and help keep power costs low for all customers.
The homes also have a smaller “carbon footprint” than conventional new homes. Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced. Cumulatively, the 187 SolarSmart homes could reduce carbon emissions that are equivalent to taking 90 cars off the road or planting 143 acres of trees.
The deal with D.R. Horton is the fifth SMUD has signed with builders in 2007 to construct SolarSmart homes.
In August, SMUD signed deals with Homes by Towne to construct 355 SolarSmart homes and with Centex homes to build 107. In May, SMUD and homebuilder Tim Lewis Communities signed a deal to build 183 solar-powered homes in three communities.
In March, SMUD announced a partnership with Lennar Homes to build more than 1,200 solar homes, which represents the largest solar new homes partnership in the United States. Photovoltaic systems will be built into 1,254 new homes in 11 communities. As a partner, SMUD provides incentives to buy down the cost of the solar electric systems and provide rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. These rebates and incentives, along with attractive tax credits, make solar electric systems a more affordable option for more homebuyers
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