SMUD and D.R. Horton Sign Solar Homes Deal (187 SolarSmart homes, California)

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http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR936.htm

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.

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