As the nation becomes more ecologically aware of our diminishing resources, carbon footprints, and global warming, the need to go green has soared in popularity. On one hand we want to protect our world for future generations and on the other hand we’re just tired of spending half our income on high utility bills.

Homebuyers consider the overall value of a home in terms of location, condition, size, etc., but when you throw “solar-powered” into the equation, it’s a whole new ball game and proactive developers who build new solar-powered housing developments are finally giving homebuyers what they want.

In Northern California…

There’s a new solar-powered “zero energy” housing development planned for Vacaville by developer Meritage Homes, where they combine solar power and energy efficiency for a “whole house” approach to green design. Encore Community is slated for the construction of 45 homes and each home will come with a 2.3 kilowatt SunPower SunTile system, which blends seamlessly into the roof and features the most efficient solar technology currently available on the market. And, every home will feature energy-saving windows and insulation, high-efficiency appliances, tankless water heaters, nighttime ventilation cooling, radiant barrier roof sheathing, SEER – 15 air conditioning systems, low leakage ductwork and house envelope, and R-48 attic insulation.

The new homes will be built to exceed state and federal energy efficiency standards by more than 35 percent and, coupled with the energy efficient features, a homeowner could expect to save up to 70 percent on their electric bills.

In the Sacramento area Homebuilders Homes by Towne and Centex Homes recently allied with Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to build 462 “SolarSmart” solar powered, energy efficient homes. And, SMUD also just partnered with Lennar Homes to build over 1,200 SolarSmart homes and Tim Lewis Communities to build another 183.

SolarSmart homes will combine cost-effective energy efficiency features with roof-top solar electric systems. Also included in the SolarSmart homes are ENERGY STAR qualified windows, energy-efficient HVAC systems, radiant barrier in the attic to reduce air conditioning needs, a 90% efficient furnace, energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting, and an efficient air conditioner that will save energy even during the heat of the summer. The SolarSmart homes are estimated to save homeowners up to 60% on their electric bills.

In Florida…

The first solar-powered city will begin construction in June 2010 near Fort Myers. The city, called Babcock Ranch, will be built on 17,000 acres of land and include 19,500 homes and 6 million square feet of commercial, light industrial, retail, civic, and office space. The project is expected to create 20,000 new jobs.

Developer Kitson & Partners is partnering with utility Florida Power & Light to build the world’s largest photovoltaic solar plant in a planned city. The city will run on total solar power and will be integrated with a smart grid. The city will also feature sustainable water management, street lamps that are designed to reduce light pollution, green roofs on commercial buildings to conserve energy, and electric car chargers.

Babcock Ranch plans on building on only half of the 17,000 acres; the other half will be protected greenways, open space, and 40 miles of walking and biking paths. And, the city will abut a 73,000 acre land conservation preserve.

Across America you’ll find similar solar-powered housing developments either in the planning process or under construction proving that developers have finally stepped up to the eco-friendly plate.

Sources:

http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5386XG20090409

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2007/08/californias-prime-solar-powered-real-estate-49592

http://denver.yourhub.com/Westminster/Stories/Business/Real-Estate-Deals/Story~289629.aspx

smud.org/solarsmart