Vacaville, CA –BP Solar and OCR Solar & Roofing have teamed up with R.J. Walter Homes and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to create the “Home of the Future” in Folsom.  With the home’s design and construction materials focusing on state-of-the-art energy-efficiency, it will truly live up to its name.

The home is the Sacramento area's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Home.  LEED is a rating system developed by the US Green Building Counsel (USGBC) that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.

OCR has installed BP Solar’s Integra low profile solar modules on the home’s composition shingle roof.  This 3.86 kW AC solar energy system will ensure clean, quiet electricity production.  The system also features a Xantrex XW 6048 inverter that provides a hybrid grid interactive and battery back-up power system in the event that the grid goes down.  The home’s builder estimates that the efficiency and environmental advancements combine to save a potential 83 percent on monthly electric and gas utility bills.

“As part of our Department of Energy Solar America Initiative (SAI) grant, BP Solar has been working closely with OCR and other partners to make solar energy more affordable to homeowners across the US,” said Paul Garvison, director of business development for BP Solar.  “This system is a great example of how far solar systems for homes have come in terms of both appearance and energy production.”

BP Solar’s Integra roofing system was launched in 2000 and became the solar industry’s first true flush-mounted product for composite shingle roofs and provides a sleek roof hugging profile.

“Solar electricity is the best solution for building a high performance home that includes on-site power generation,” said Aaron Nitzkin, OCR Solar & Roofing vice president.  “OCR is proud to be working closely with BP Solar through the SAI, as we work to change the way power is consumed, produced, and stored in homes throughout the United States.”

In addition to solar energy, SMUD’s “Home of the Future” will feature a wide-range of energy- efficiency features.   These will include advanced framing and insulation, specially coated dual pane windows that will reduce radiant heat gain and loss, solar-assisted hot water and space heating, energy-efficient lighting and appliances.  R.J. Walter Homes has also incorporated an advanced home automation system which allows the homeowner to monitor and control lighting, heating, air conditioning and irrigation systems.

“Solar energy is a crucial component to the overall performance of the ‘Home of the Future,” said Bob Walter, president of R.J. Walter Homes.  “We are pleased to work with industry leaders such as OCR Solar & Roofing and BP Solar to build the ideal home—one that has a small environmental impact, lower utility costs and is an overall healthier home for a family of the future.”

For further information bout OCR Solar & Roodfing, please visit www.ocrsolarandroofing.com.

For more information about BP Solar, visit www.bpsolar.us.