The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and four homebuilders have inked agreements to build more than 1,900 SolarSmart homes in the SMUD service territory. SolarSmart is a SMUD brand that combines solar power and super energy-efficient features.
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.
In each of the agreements, SMUD provides funding to buy down the cost of solar and energy efficiency equipment in all the homes. Residents of these 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 community benefits as well from these solar homes. Less electricity will be needed to serve the SolarSmart homes, especially at peak demand times, like hot summer days, when power is most expensive. Cumulatively, the 1,900 SolarSmart homes are expected to shave nearly three megawatts off peak demand, and help keep power costs low for all customers.
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 “carbon footprint” is smaller for these homes as well. Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced. Combined, all 1,900 SolarSmart homes could reduce carbon emissions equivalent to taking about 940 cars off the road or planting about 1,500 acres of trees.
SMUD provides incentives to builders 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.
As the nation’s sixth largest publicly owned utility, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for over 60 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment.
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