California's Solar-Powered MPC

Jimmy Ayala, Division President of Pardee Homes San Diego, says that what once was ground-breaking in green building is now standard. Weston, Pardee's new master-planned community (MPC) in Santee, California, is the first to offer solar for purchase or lease on each home.

“Consumers want solar,” says Ayala. “The difference is that now, we can build it at scale and make it more affordable.” Despite the fact that Ayala foresees solar energy becoming more and more popular in California home building, he says that land and zoning are two major issues the local professionals still face, more so than renewable mandates. Curbed reports that much of the building costs were related to delays in acquiring land or getting permits.

According to Ayala, these systems, and Pardee’s new solar-ready development, makes financial sense. Each home will come with SunPower solar system, ranging from 3 to 5 kilowatts, which can generate up to 8,000 kilowatt hours based on home orientation, which estimates suggest will cover 80 percent or more of a home’s energy usage. The renewable focus is part of Pardee’s LivingSmart branding, developments with smart home features, energy efficient construction, and access to on-site trails and parks (Weston is near a series of lakes and outdoor trails).

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