Generation Homes and REC Solar Partner on Solar Communities

[jpak]

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR737.htm

California hombuilder, Generation Homes will partner with California system integrator, REC Solar to build one of the largest solar communities in the state.

A Generation Homes Solar Project

Robert Wood, president and CEO of Generation Homes, the premiere residential home builder in California's Central Valley, has announced that in response to a growing demand for cost savings as well as environmental sensitivity, Generation Homes will now include solar energy in all its new home neighborhoods in Fresno and Reedley. Generation Homes has teamed with REC Solar, a national leader in the solar energy industry, to provide first time and new home buyers with solar electricity systems.

"We are committed to providing cost-effective energy alternatives to home buyers," Wood said. "While solar energy shouldn't be viewed as a luxury, installation is too often viewed that way. We are going to change that perception."

Solar electricity has continued to grow into a popular option, especially in locations known for extreme temperatures such as California's Central Valley, because it actually lowers energy bills and protects consumers from future electricity rate increases and runaway fossil fuel prices. However, installation can be costly so Generation Homes decided to eliminate the barrier that stood between cost and energy savings for new homeowners. Susan Hamel moved into a Generation Homes community in Reedley and had a solar system installed as an option.

"It saves us money. It helps the environment. We couldn't be happier."

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[kestrel91316]

1. I'd be happier to see a big effort to retrofit existing homes with

solar PV along with conservation (insulation) retrofitting.

Building NEW homes is not the best solution.

[donco6]

2. But you have to admit . . .

If they already had the approval to build the development, they deserve at least a LITTLE kudo for incorporating solar. No? I mean, they could have just skipped it entirely and raked in even more profit . . .

[kestrel91316]

3. Absolutely right. IMHO no new development of any kind should be

permitted without substantial on-site PV or wind power generation, AND energy-efficiency.