"Grand View Estates can set an example for developers everywhere that
solar should be installed on every new home. This location is ideal for solar
with no obstructions and a good deal of sun most of the year."
- Dan Schoenfeld, Developer
Kingston, New York - August 24, 2004 [SolarAccess.com]
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are moving beyond individual home installations
into community developments that promote PV as a selling feature. SunWize
Technologies, Gaia Productions and a California developer have completed the
first eight homes for the energy efficient solar community Grand View Estates,
in California. Plans for the gated community include 90 solar homes, and each
modular home integrates energy conservation and grid-tied solar system
technology at a starting price of $230,000.
"Grand View Estates can set an example for developers everywhere that solar
should be installed on every new home. This location is ideal for solar with no
obstructions and a good deal of sun most of the year," said Dan Schoenfeld,
the developer of the community. "These homes use only the highest quality
building elements and their modular pre-fabricated design allows us to build
environmental friendly communities at an affordable price."
PV systems used in the development are 2.5 kW grid-tied systems. They have Sharp
185 W modules and the new Fronius IG inverter. Each system comes with a 20-year
power output warranty and five-year system warranty.
The all-electric, Fuqua factory built homes have R-40 rated insulation in the
ceiling, R-33 in the floors and R-21 in the walls. All homes have feature low-emissivity
windows, and appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher and stove carry the
Energy Star label.
Typical utility bills for this area are $150 to $400 per month. Mr. Schoenfeld
expects many of the buyers will be young families and retirees who will be
attracted to the unique combination of solar and energy efficiency to help
reduce their utility bills by as much as 75 percent.
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