Net-zero-energy homes are increasing in popularity in the United States. With an increase in energy costs, the green building trend has blossomed, making accessible, affordable home-efficiency building technologies key attributes for some potential home buyers. These homes use solar energy to achieve net-zero energy use vs. consumption, and thus achieve a year-end positive energy generation-to-use balance.
The Drantch Group, Aaron Scott and Dan Drantch of Sherman Oaks are representing the first solar power housing development, The Village, in the Valley. Located on 1221 block of Pierce Street in Pacoima, the development consists of 57 solar powered homes with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The Village is being built in four phases, with homes selling in the $275,000 to $309,900 range. The trick to selling in this market is finding an affordable price point, president of California Homes Builder, Shawn Evenhaim states. The first phase of 12 homes has been sold and the 13 homes of phase two are 85 percent completed and nine of those homes are in escrow. Phase 1 completed in February and phase 2 is expected to be completed this March.
The Village development ceremony took place at the end of February and in attendance was the Los Angeles City Officials, Mayor Villaraigosa, Rodeo Realty’s Aaron Scott and Dan Drantch and the California Home Builder team.
Homeowners pay a fixed power fee of $49 a month for 20 years. Each homes also receives a $10,000 solar incentive from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the homeowner receives this credit for the power the home generates. Homeowners will save 5-15% right away on their electricity and those savings will increase overtime, pending the price of fossil fuel.
This growing trend of energy-efficient solar power homes are providing homeowners affordable homes with some relief on rising energy costs by giving back to the power grid.
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