Solar Powered Homes Sell Quickly Despite Market Crunch

[jpak]

http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50474

Each of the 47 newly developed homes in Clarum Homes' new Hamilton Park community in Menlo Park, California is being sold with Sharp OnEnergy solar systems as standard features. The homes were put on the market this summer and 44 have already sold.

Coupled with other energy-saving features, the incorporation of solar arrays on the new Clarum residences will help homeowners reduce their utility bills significantly. Any excess electricity generated goes back into the utility grid — thereby spinning the meter backward, and accruing credit on the homeowner's utility bill.

"A solar electricity system adds tremendous value to the homes we build. By providing homeowners with attractive solar systems that generate electricity right on their rooftops and incorporating other energy efficiency features, we're enabling them to save 50 percent or more on their utility bills," said John Suppes, president of Clarum Homes and Byldan Corporation.

The Sharp systems feature all the necessary components for emissions- and maintenance-free operation, says the company, including a meter that allows homeowners to monitor system performance.

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[Auggie]

1. If I were Emperor solar systems would be required in all new housing developments

[Greyskye]

2. I think you need to be God to do that.

It would sure play hell with the Copernican model however.

[NNadir]

3. Yes, because you can never have enough people who can't afford housing.

[w4rma]

5. As opposed to not being able to afford to pay their heating/power bills? (nt)

[Ready4Change]

6. Sounds like 47 people can afford it.

An each one of them is reducing the loads on the rest of our systems. Don't like burning coal? Here's 47 homes that reduce the need to burn coal.

[NNadir]

8. Um, do you know what coal plants do?

Let me give you a hint. Coal plants don't have capacity utilization of their peak power of 25%.

In fact, the dangerous fossil fuel industry in California is dominated by dangerous natural gas. California gets its coal fired power from coal burned in other people's states.

We'll see if they continue in that direction when the gas is gone.

[losthills]

9. Are you taking the position....

that nuclear power lowers peoples' utility bills?

[Auggie]

7. As the technology matures and becomes more affordable

I'd like to see it become part of the building code. Along with tankless hot water heaters.

[losthills]

10. Tankless water heaters?

They're gas burners.

I think every home should be required to have a passive solar water heater-- as a bare minimum....

[Auggie]

11. Of course. Excellent point.

[AikidoSoul]

4. This is hopeful indeed

and should be widely supported.

Thanks for posting.

K & R