Pleasanton, Calif. — Dallas-based Centex Homes unveiled new residential solar installations, planned by Consol energy consultants, at Avignon — the first Zero-Energy New Home community by Centex Homes in San Ramon, Calif.

By first constructing the most energy efficient homes and then adding state-of-the-art renewable resources, each home in Avignon will be constructed to be 25 percent more energy efficient than required by the strict California energy codes; have a 70 percent energy savings on the annual electric bill; and draw no more than 1kW from the utility during summer peak time (the hottest time of the day).

These homes meet the rigid energy efficient guidelines of the ComfortWise program, and are independently inspected for quality and performance of the insulation, caulking and sealing, windows, and heating and cooling ductwork. Inspections and tests are performed by ComfortWise home energy raters who are certified and monitored by either CalCerts or the California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System (CHEERS), both certified by the California Energy Commission.

A 3.5-kW DC photovoltaic integrated roofing system from PowerLight should provide most of the home's electricity. The homes are hooked up to the local utility grid so homeowners can draw electricity when they need it, and any excess electricity produced by the system is sold back to the utility for credit.

For more information, visit www.centexhomes.com and www.powerlight.com.

Links

• Powerlight
• Centex Homes