First Solar Homes Power Electric Car

SIGNAL HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--How would you like never having to pay for gasoline? With the just completed “Plug Into History” press event featuring the Nissan LEAF with a City Ventures home pre-wired for electric cars, the dream is now realized. Integrated with each residence, City Ventures homes feature solar power and energy-efficient design, bringing energy bills to near net zero. The coupling of high-tech solar home with advanced electric car completes the circuit, allowing low-cost, low-carbon, gasoline-free living. The City Ventures earth-friendly neighborhoods, comprising over 190 homes, represent the largest collection of new, solar, no-gas homes in the United States. They are currently under construction in the California cities of Signal Hill, Santa Barbara and Brea. Prices for these homes start in the high $200,000s.

“A City Ventures residence puts homeowners farther on the path to net-zero energy independence than any other new home on the market”

“A City Ventures residence puts homeowners farther on the path to net-zero energy independence than any other new home on the market,” says Herb Gardner, president of City Ventures’ Homebuilding Division. “Its built-in solar power provides ‘off-the-grid’ energy, while its highly efficient appliances and materials reduce energy consumption compared to most new homes. The electric bills are exceptionally low and there are no gas bills. All this makes for a green earth and green wallet, returning immediate savings to the owner. Our Signal Hill Collection is the first opportunity to see these homes and their pre-wired LEAF technology in action.”

City Ventures is following up the “Plug Into History” event by inviting interested homeowners and the general public to come tour its Signal Hill Collection on Saturday, November 19^th from noon-3 p.m. at 1850 N. Orizaba Avenue, Signal Hill, Ca 90755. This is the first opportunity to tour a pre-wired, all-electric neighborhood and experience first-hand the groundbreaking features of these residences. The program will include:

Free Nissan LEAF Plug-in – Demonstrations for current LEAF owners as well as test drive and pre-sales opportunities from neighborhood dealer Hooman Nissan. Noon – 3 p.m..
Chef Susan Millis from Seal Beach PREP demonstrating cooking techniques and tastings from the advanced technology kitchens that include induction and convection appliances. 1-2 p.m.
Signal Hill’s unique solar power technology will be explained onsite by suppliers Petersen Dean. noon-3 p.m.
Prize Raffles – Flat screen TV, gift certificates and PREP cooking classes (raffle drawings on the hour starting at 1 p.m.)

City Ventures sustainable homes are branded as Green Key residences. The Green Key home initiative began as part of City Ventures’ mission to design and develop environmentally responsible homes in urban areas at competitive price points. As part of the company’s ultimate mandate to build only net-zero-energy communities, a large portion of the power required to operate each home is generated on-site through built-in solar panels. The solar energy, combined with the most-efficient materials and appliances available, make a City Ventures’ Green Key home the most sustainable new-construction residence available.

City Ventures earth-friendly residences elements include:

Garage pre-wired for electric cars.
High-performance integrated solar power.
Energy Star-rated hybrid electric water heater.
Low-flow faucets and shower heads.
Energy Star high-efficiency dishwasher.
Low-emission windows for superior insulation against cold and heat.

All Green Key homes will exceed state-mandated Title 24 environmental efficiency standards by at least 30%. They are LEED Gold level and Energy Star-certified.

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