If there is one thing that Nevada does not lack in… it’s sunshine; which makes Southern Nevada an ideal location for the state’s first solar powered community. Concordia Homes unveiled three model homes in Sommerset, of what will eventually become a 48-home community, all equipped with high-performance GE products that are Energy Star rated. One feature that makes these homes unique is their dashboard wall display units that provides water and energy consumption data, including how much electricity has been generated from the rooftop solar panels.
The homes range in sizes between 1,626 – 2,707 square feet, and prices start in the mid-300s; which is around $25,000 – $30,000 more than similar non-green homes in the Henderson, Nevada area – according to Jenny Sullivan of Builder Magazine.
Gidget Graham, Concordia President, believes Sommerset home buyers will recoup the additional expense over time, through lower utility payments. Graham estimates that a 2,700 square foot home at Sommerset will save the owner 60 percent in utilities; with the rooftop solar system generating 40 percent of an average family’s electricity use.
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This is a really great idea. I don’t know why more communities like these have not started to be developed across the country. It will probably only be a matter of time before people start pushing to buy green homes. I would definitely buy a house that was made like this if it was 25-30k more than a similar homes non-green homes.
I agree, Patrick. I would much prefer a ‘green’ home over a non-green home… especially if I was buying new. I’m sure more and more home builders will be adopting additional energy saving building techniques in the future.
I wish there were more of these projects. It’s nice to see that Concordia has taken such a proactive approach.
Does anyone know how these green homes have been selling? Also, do the utility company’s in Henderson “buy back” electricity if the homes is at a surplus for power generation?
There are a ton of programs through the DOE vis energy star for solar power systems. Between the grant(s) available and financing of the systems, generally the home owner pays for the upgrade with the savings. Many times the home owner is still up on the finace bill vs the energy savings
Great idea! If could have more such projects would be very good. I use solar energy and I am pleased
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Add on the fact that solar is currently a 30% kick back from the government with no cap!
To recoup $30,000 on lower utility bills is going to take a while. However, if the surplus power can be sold back to the grid, that definitely makes it more palatable. Still, I guess people who buy green powered houses (like I did a long time ago) are more interested in fulfilling their social duty than they are in their finances. I wish governments would be more generous in terms of subsidies for private green power investments. There isn’t much time left if we want to save Mother Earth!
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It is good to hear that communities with solar power capabilities are now thriving. It seems that we are one step closer to a world with no carbon emissions.
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Yeah its really starting now to become more feasible for a family to start seriously looking at solar energy as a viable alternative – excirting times ahead if the prices continue to drop – Nevada is a perfect spot to
Very cool initiative, lets face it anything that helps further the cause of choosing solar nergy as a viable alternative energy source is worth it
Solar power is definitely the way to go. In today’s environment the less reliant we are on the traditional power infrastructure the better. You just never know when it not going to be there.
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