Sacramento Utility Signs Year's Second Solar Homes Deal
The Sacramento Municipal Utilities District has signed a deal with developer Tim Lewis Communities to build 183 solar-powered, super energy-efficient homes in the area.
Another 183 solar-powered, super energy-efficient homes will be built in the Sacramento area in an agreement between SMUD and homebuilder Tim Lewis Communities. 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 three communities, which include 61 SolarSmart homes in the Madeira Ranch subdivision in Elk Grove, 34 homes in Brentwood Estates in Citrus Heights and 88 homes at Brentwood Villas also in Citrus Heights.
The deal is the latest SMUD has signed with homebuilders to construct SolarSmart homes in the area. In March, SMUD announced a partnership with Lennar Homes to build more than 1,200 SolarSmart homes, which represents the largest solar new homes partnership in the United States.
Residents may save as much as 60 percent annually on their electric bills by energy conservation measures and using the sun's power to generate electricity. An added feature allows homeowners to monitor their solar electricity production in real time.
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.
In addition to the built-in solar panels, SolarSmart homes also boast several 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 homes also have a smaller carbon footprint than conventional new homes. Cumulatively, the 183 SolarSmart homes could reduce carbon emissions that are equivalent to taking 90 cars off the road or planting 143 acres of trees.
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.
SMUD is also working with other builders to establish more solar partnerships in the near future, making solar homes available to even more customers in the SMUD service area, which includes all of Sacramento County and a small portion of Placer County.
Groundbreaking has begun and models are being constructed in three communities, which include 61 SolarSmart homes in the Madeira Ranch subdivision in Elk Grove, 34 homes in Brentwood Estates in Citrus Heights and 88 homes at Brentwood Villas also in Citrus Heights.
The deal is the latest SMUD has signed with homebuilders to construct SolarSmart homes in the area. In March, SMUD announced a partnership with Lennar Homes to build more than 1,200 SolarSmart homes, which represents the largest solar new homes partnership in the United States.
Residents may save as much as 60 percent annually on their electric bills by energy conservation measures and using the sun's power to generate electricity. An added feature allows homeowners to monitor their solar electricity production in real time.
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.
In addition to the built-in solar panels, SolarSmart homes also boast several 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 homes also have a smaller carbon footprint than conventional new homes. Cumulatively, the 183 SolarSmart homes could reduce carbon emissions that are equivalent to taking 90 cars off the road or planting 143 acres of trees.
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.
SMUD is also working with other builders to establish more solar partnerships in the near future, making solar homes available to even more customers in the SMUD service area, which includes all of Sacramento County and a small portion of Placer County.
