Texas-based homebuilder and solar power provider SolarCity said they had inked an agreement to give CastleRock's communities the choice to use solar power in their homes. CastleRock has 42 communities located in Houston, Austin and San Antonio. In their joint statement, CastleRock and SolarCity said homeowners can reduce their utility bills by as much as hundreds of dollars annually if they use solar power. They may even protect themselves from utility rate increases since they may lock in their solar electricity expenses in the future.
CastleRock Communities EVP/Partner Lance Wright said they were excited with the opportunity to give customers the power of choice regarding the kind of energy they would like to use for their new CastleRock home. Wright added, "We're also pleased to offer a new way for our homeowners to save, along with the chance to see how solar works first hand."
Under the agreement, SolarCity will give free installation to customers who opt for solar energy. Their solar electricity payment will be rolled into their mortgage payments. CastleRock homes with an area of less than 2,500 square feet of space will have a 4-kilowatt array. Meanwhile, bigger homes will be equipped with 6-kilowatt systems.
SolarCity National Manager of Building Programs Walter Cuculic said their offering allows customers of CastleRock to have more control on their electricity bills. Cuculic said, "CastleRock homeowners will have the opportunity to use clean, renewable energy for years to come and may be able to count on a stable electricity bill, even if utility rates rise."
Aside from saving on their electric bills, homebuyers who choose to live in solar-powered homes will also be able to lower their carbon footprint and do their share in protecting the environment. According to the statement, a CastleRock home with a standard 4-kilowatt system will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of a homeowner by over half.
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