HOME BUILDER MAKES SOLAR A STANDARD FEATURE IN NEW CONSTRUCTION

publication date: Oct 21, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 14 -- Trilogy by Shea Homes, the first national builder to roll out solar across its entire portfolio, announced today that BP solar power systems will be a standard feature on its Shea Green Certified homes, beginning immediately.

As part of its ongoing commitment to reduce the cost of home ownership and improve environmental performance, Trilogy Active Lifestyle Communities have teamed up with BP Solar, a global provider in solar energy, to reduce electric bills by up to 60 percent per home and offer solar at no additional cost to the homebuyer. This newest feature in Shea Green Certified homes will result in a carbon footprint reduction of up to 48 percent per home. Trilogy homes will exceed the 2006 International Energy Code by 45 percent.

"Our homeowners now have access to one of the most effective and desirable sources of renewable energy," said Rick Andreen, president of Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities. "Integrating a solar system into a home during construction is less expensive than adding it later, making solar more accessible and affordable than it's ever been."

Trilogy homes will each be equipped with a 3-kilowatt BP Solar Home Solutions system, which helps provide security against electric rate increases, allowing consumers to hedge their future risks in the volatile energy markets and be more energy independent. Homeowners will be able to track how much power their system is producing, along with its environmental benefits, via a Web-based remote monitoring system. Shea Green Certified homes at Trilogy combine the most important and cost-effective standards for green residential building set by LEED, National Association of Home Builders and Environments for Living.

"Creative business partnerships are helping to transform the American residential marketplace with homes that combine energy efficiency with solar power," said John F. Mizroch, DOE acting assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy. "These homes will help transform the built environment into healthier, more prosperous and sustainable communities that reduce our carbon footprint, enhance our energy security and contribute to the fabric of a cleaner, more efficient America."

The government's ongoing commitment to supporting renewable energy sources was further validated with the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which will extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit for eight years, lift the cap on the current $2,000 allowance and allow the credit to be applied toward a homeowner's alternative minimum tax. Once in effect, homebuyers will receive 30 percent in solar tax credits (based on the cost of the solar system, which translates to a savings of up to $8,000 for Trilogy buyers). Homebuyers may also be eligible for state or local credits or rebates, in addition to the federal credits.

To maintain a consistent and visually appealing look for its high-end resort communities, Trilogy chose BP Solar's EnergyTile and Integra systems. The EnergyTile roof-integrated solar electric system emulates the shape of common flat concrete tile roofs, making it one of the industry's most aesthetically pleasing solutions for tile roof applications. The Integra system offers a low-profile installation, enhancing the look on asphalt shingle roofs.

"Home builders around the country are increasingly seeing the value that solar brings to both their communities and their homebuyers," said Bryan Conklin, director of marketing for BP Solar. "We are proud to support Trilogy as they become the first national residential builder to offer solar standard across the country."

A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Trilogy by Shea Homes found that baby boomers rank solar technology (29%) as the number one most important feature of a green home, followed by energy-efficient appliances (16%) and dual pane windows (12%) -- all features found in Shea Green Certified homes. In fact, Trilogy homes undergo 20 different tests and inspections by an independent third party to achieve their green certification, which surpasses industry standards.

In addition to solar power systems, standard features in Trilogy's green homes include solar attic fans, Energy Star-rated efficient appliances, dual pane low-e windows, blown-in insulation from recycled cellulose, wood from sustainable forests, framing techniques that use up to 10% less wood and save 5.5 trees per home, leak minimizing construction via sealed ducts and penetrations, satellite/weather-controlled irrigation systems and motion and occupancy sensors.

About the Survey

The "Green" Homes survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Trilogy by Shea Homes between May 2 and May 6, 2008 among 4,937 adults ages 18+, of whom, 1,634 are Baby Boomers ages 45 through 62 years old. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.