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.
I am a Managing Partner, Internet Marketer and Blogger at New Homes Section. Follow me on 
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
Solar Water Heaters last blog post..Solar Water Heaters – An Effective Approach
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!
.-= Michel @ Solar Power Prices´s last blog ..Contact Us =-.
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.
.-= kate@generatorsforhomeuse´s last blog ..Generac Guardian Series 5501 8,000 Watt =-.
To begin earning cash together with your weblog, to begin with use Search engines Adsense but progressively as your targeted traffic raises, hold adding a lot more and much more dollars creating applications to your web page.
Excellent Post, somebody started thinking about green technology that could save us from global warming
Having a meter reading inside every house and workplace should become standard procedure in all new houses. It would be a lot easier to monitor. At the moment you would need to go outside and check the meter, however if you had an electronic reading inside the house you could check the usage as you switched on every appliance or light. This would help you develop a proper awareness of the impact of each appliance. Even a charger that is not in use consumes energy if it is plugged in.
Less than a decade and a half ago there was almost no one using solar power, now entire communities are harnessing the energy of the sun! As a real estate developer, I can tell you it is a surefire way of adding lasting value to a home.