Progress Continues on Construction of PV-Powered Housing Development
Xantrex Technology Inc. announced that it has been selected by the PowerLight Corp. to supply solar power to a 450-unit master-planned housing development in Roseville, California, which is being touted as the nation's largest proposed solar community. PowerLight will install Xantrex GT Series inverters in conjunction with its SunTile solar electric panels to assist the electrical needs of the homes.
In early May, the national builder Lennar announced a partnership with Powerlight and Roseville Electric to build the community (to be known as Westpark), which will integrate photovoltaic (PV) systems and upgraded energy efficiency measures into the homes. The PowerLight SunTile solar electric system, which is a roof-integrated technology that blends seamlessly into the home's design, will be installed as a standard feature in each home.
The benefits of living in this solar community will include a significant reduction in utility bills for residents, the generation of completely emissions-free electricity, and the potential to qualify (through 2007) for a $2,000 tax credit. In addition, by producing clean, renewable electricity, the solar community will reduce CO2 emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. The Westpark community plan is part of a trend in which developers are witnessing an increase in the demand for renewable power solutions and are responding by building accordingly. Home owners can now move into a new home with an established solar power solution for applicable federal and state incentives, making the clean power system more cost effective.
