Scottsdale (AZ) Developer Offers Solar as a Standard Feature

[jpak]

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR782.htm

Utility SRP has partnered with a Scottsdale developer, Modus Development, to do something no other Valley homebuilder has done before – provide homebuyers with a solar electric system as a standard feature of each new home in a Scottsdale development. Nine new townhomes in the Array Development, which will be located at Oak and Scottsdale roads, will each be equipped with a 2-kilowatt photovoltaic system to harness the power of the sun.

Modus Development, a developer focused on green building and infill projects, has partnered with American Solar Electric to provide grid-connected PV systems. Modus Development also was able to take advantage of SRP EarthWise Solar Energy incentives. In addition, the new homebuyers can apply for state and federal tax credits. SRP EarthWise Solar Energy, a solar-incentive program that encourages SRP customers to invest in solar energy, paid for 40 percent of each homeowner’s system in the development. The individual systems are expected to significantly reduce each homeowner’s electric bill. The nine systems are forecasted to generate 28,800 kilowatt hours of electricity on an annual basis, which equates to offsetting almost 30,000 pounds of CO2 emissions in the first year of operation.

“We’re excited to see this new-home builder step up and invest in renewable energy,” said Lori Singleton, manager of SRP Environmental Initiatives. “As more homebuilders realize the value of offering these systems and more homebuyers expect it, we will see more homes harnessing the power of the Arizona sun.”

The development will feature nine townhomes built to meet standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. This will be the second residential LEED Certified home project in the Valley.

<more>

[Captain Angry]

1. This should have been happening for years.

Even if it weren't PV power, it could have been solar water heating.

Now, my question is how green is the rest of the house, the materials, the methods, the layout, etc?

Yeah, always Mr. Positive. :-)

[jpak]

2. Read the last paragraph in the OP - they are LEED certified homes...

n/t

[Captain Angry]

3. Far out.

They did it right, good job!

It's going to be a long time before this kind of thing catches on like it should.