Lennar to Start Building Green Homes

Lennar is taking its first step into building energy-efficient solar homes at its upcoming development in the Bay Area of California.

Lennar's Milano community in San Ramon, California will feature solar panels by PowerLight, a subsidiary of SunPower Corp.

This is part of a joint project with the California Energy Commission advertised as "Go Solar, California". The Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) works with new construction only, with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) taking over incentive programs for existing homes starting in January 2007.

The NSHP will be working with builders to create highly energy-efficient homes that will attract buyers from all income levels. Incentives from the NSHP will help to keep these homes cost-effective for the builders and developers. Utility companies participating in these incentive programs include Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE), San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE) and Bear Valley Electric (BVES).

While none of the upcoming developments in the Santa Clarita area are featuring these energy efficient solar panels at this time, hopefully the trial project in the Bay Area will be successful enough that they'll bring energy-efficient solar homes to the Santa Clarita area as well.