This weekend, Sacramento-based homebuilder Tim Lewis Communities is opening Amberleigh at Madeira, a new community of energy-efficient, solar-powered homes in Elk Grove, Calif. The planned 61 homes will feature building-integrated solar-electric power systems from SunPower. Tim Lewis Communities expects that the solar power systems, combined with the energy-efficient features, will save homeowners up to 60 percent on their electric utility bills.
Each of the new homes will be equipped with a 2.3-kilowatt SunPower SunTile system that blends seamlessly into the roof and features the most-efficient solar panels available on the market.
"Recent studies have indicated that new homes equipped with SunPower systems are selling at about twice the rate as comparable homes in the same neighborhoods," said Bill Kelly, general manager of the New Homes Division at SunPower. "Energy prices are increasing, and Tim Lewis Communities recognizes that combining high-quality, energy-efficient features with SunPower systems will result in significant savings for homeowners."
The homes at Amberleigh are California Green Builder certified, which means they have met strict energy and water efficiency standards that are verified by third-party inspectors. With prices starting in the mid-$400,000 range, they feature from three to six bedrooms and two to three-and-one-half bathrooms, with sizes ranging from 2,014 to 3,100 square feet. Some of the energy efficient features in the homes include:
– Energy Star rated appliances
– Water conserving toilets, faucets and shower heads
– Sherwin-Williams low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint
– Weatherproof protection around all windows and polyseal protection around exterior doors
– Full exterior weather stripping
– Water saving landscape design and irrigation controls
– Insulated exterior stucco system
– High efficiency air filtering for improved indoor air quality
"The unique homes at Amberleigh are the product of our commitment to green building and helping the environment," said Tim Lewis, president of Tim Lewis Communities. "Built standard with high energy efficiency features and designed with integrated solar roof tiles, Amberleigh homes will deliver substantial savings to homeowners on their energy bills, while helping save our environment."
At this community and one other in the area, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is partnering with Tim Lewis Communities as part of the electric utility's SolarSmart program. As a partner, SMUD provides the builder with incentives that reduce the cost of the solar electric systems as well as rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. These rebates and incentives, along with attractive tax credits, make solar electric systems a more affordable feature for more homebuyers.
