Most of the Southern California division of homebuilder KB Home, is making solar panels a regular feature of their new homes. With the focus on energy savings instead of the technical aspects are attracting new home buyers in the area.
Each community comes with a set number of rooftop panels. The customers can elect to purchase more solar panels if desired. KB Home estimates each homeowner can save approximately $2,000 a year in energy savings, reducing their energy bills by half.
Purchased Panels in Bulk
President of KB Home, Steve Ruffner says the homes prices are raised slightly but are still competitively priced since they got a good deal on the panels by buying in bulk.
In the 10 test communities, new home sales were 30% higher than in areas the solar panels were not available.
So far the homes are in Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside County. KB Home doesn’t have any plans at this point to make the solar panels standard on their rooftops across the nation.
