California-based KB Homes and Chinese solar firm, BYD, have partnered to develop affordable solar homes in Lancaster.
BYD Co. is known for producing plug-in cars, solar equipment, and batteries. Now they have entered the renewable energy-real estate industry. Combining powers with KB Homes has allowed for traditionally off-grid solar technologies to be introduced into a densely grid-tied residential area.
These modestly priced homes will be pre-equipped with solar modules and lithium-ion battery storage systems. Normally, this technology is used in off-grid properties, but KB Homes and BYD hope that this new development will help pave the way for new impressions on residential solar energy and plug-in vehicles.
As opposed to traditional lead-acid batteries in off-grid electric systems, the lithium-ion battery storage systems will be located in the garage in dark, sleek housing units that flash led lights communicating performance levels. They will be capable of storing up to 16 kWh of electricity. The average Southern California household usually uses about 20kWh of electrcicity per day. These lithium-ion ferrous phosphate batteries are the same that are used in BYD's plug-in electric vehicles which they will premiere later this year in Los Angeles.
Executive VP of KB Homes in Southern California, Thomas DiPrima, explained their goal was to first provide the solar panel-battery combo to the model home and four other production homes at no upfront cost to the homeowners. The package would then bec ome optional to other homes in the West Lancaster subdivision and others. These homes have starting prices from $210,000 to $257,000.
"Our long-term goal is to get to where we can do this nationwide," said Mr. DiPrima. "Our hope and our goal is to make it so affordable that it can be offered in a new home as a standard feature."
