Photovoltaic System to be a Standard Feature on Hundreds of Victoria Homes

[jpak]

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR618.htm

Victoria Homes, one of Southern California’s most-respected and innovative homebuilders, today announced that PowerLight’s SunTile™ solar electric systems, paired with ConSol’s energy efficiency solutions, are to be standard features on hundreds of new homes being constructed by Victoria in Southern California.

Through a combination of today’s most advanced, energy-efficient design features with on-site solar power, these homes are designed to produce more than half of the electricity that they use. As a result, buyers of these homes built by Victoria Homes will see annual utility savings of up to 70%.

“Victoria Homes is pleased to partner with PowerLight and ConSol to incorporate solar power and state-of-the-art energy design techniques as key features in our beautiful new communities in Victorville and surrounding areas,” said Paul R. Osborne, Founder and President of Victoria Homes. “These state of the art homes are specifically designed to help our homeowners save energy and make energy. Given today’s rising energy costs and our nation’s quest for energy independence, we feel this is an essential next step to take for our growing communities.”

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[ThomCat]

1. That's great

It's about time homes started coming standard with features like this.

[phantom power]

2. Looking for more info, I found this interesting resource...

Flex Your Power's Energy-Efficient Partners
http://www.fypower.org/res/efficient_homes/new_homes_initiative/custom_builder_list.html

[Wilms]

3. Any idea why they don't use a larger array? Plus one for hot water?

I'm glad they're doing this, so I feel bad complaining. But if one can afford a home like that, and an array as shown in the pictures at the link could provide 1/2 the power needed, it disappoints that they don't take the opportunity to be net generators.

Do you know if there's a reluctance over appearance, cost, or maintenance concerns?

[Wilms]

4. Oops. Just figured out the 1/2 power is based on available daylight.

If that's the case, is net generation a good business proposition?