Lennar recently announced a partnership with PowerLight Corporation and Roseville Electric to build the nation’s largest solar community. 

The Sacramento division of the national builder, Lennar, operates locally as Renaissance Homes and Winncrest Homes and will integrate photovoltaic systems and upgraded energy efficiency measures into 450 new homes slated to be built in Roseville over the next two years.

"Roseville has a nationwide reputation for providing an outstanding quality of life for families and this exciting partnership to create the nation's largest solar community is another example of why Roseville is an amazing place to live," Mayor Gina Garbolino said.

Lennar’s participation in Roseville Electric’s programs shows innovation and leadership in the building industry and will serve as a model for future residential projects. Roseville Electric believes homebuyers are interested in all types of energy efficiency measures – including photovoltaic systems – as a way to reduce their utility costs and support renewable energy efforts.

"Roseville Electric is dedicated to providing our residents with award-winning, reliable service and low-cost electricity. I am a strong advocate of solar energy and I support Roseville Electric's efforts to offer green, renewable energy programs like solar that help reduce our nation's dependence on fossil fuels," Garbolino said.

 “We’re thrilled with this opportunity to provide our homebuyers with solar electricity - a clean renewable energy source,” said Division President Jeff Panasiti. “This was just one more way for us to add value to our successful Everything’s Included™ (ei) Program and to continue our strong history and innovative use of energy efficient products and environmental conscious home building.”

The PowerLight SunTile™ solar electric system will be installed as a standard feature on each home.  PowerLight's SunTile™ is a roof-integrated technology, blending beautifully and seamlessly into the homes’ design.  

“We are really pleased to be part of Lennar’s impressive Everything’s Included™ Program.  With these attractive solar communities in Roseville, Lennar and Roseville Electric are demonstrating real environmental leadership, and providing their customers with tremendous savings on their utility bills," said Howard Wenger, Executive Vice President of PowerLight.  

The benefits of this solar community include significant utility bill reductions for Lennar customers, and the generation of completely emissions-free electricity.  Buyers of these solar-powered Lennar homes may qualify (through 2007) for a $2,000 tax credit.  

By producing clean, renewable electricity, the solar community will reduce CO2 emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels – in quantities equivalent to planting more than 65 acres of trees, and not burning 57,000 barrels of oil. 

Within the WestPark master planned community; there will be a total of 77 residences offered by Winncrest Homes at Wayfarer later this summer. Renaissance Homes will integrate the solar electric system into 75 homes beginning in June with the opening of Ironcrest at Fiddyment Farm. 

Winncrest Homes’ Walkabout is slated to open in 2007 and plans to offer 118 homes with a photovoltaic system.  More than 200 homes slated for other villages in Fiddyment Farm will include photovoltaic systems beginning in early 2007.

Mr. Wenger noted: “Roseville has a great solar resource. By harvesting the region’s abundant sunlight and including solar power as a standard feature, Lennar and its customers are contributing significantly to California’s energy independence.  Lennar and Roseville’s commitment to solar is great for the homebuyer, great for the environment, and great for California."