Going Solar in Gilroy
by Marc Hopkins

The James Group of Gilroy, Ca has teamed up with several other environmentally minded builders and investors to build two new home developments in Gilroy. Casa Del Sol is located in south Gilroy and Northpoint is located on the northern end. Both developments are small and built adjacent to existing developments to minimize the impact on the environment and utilize existing services.
These homes come standard with a complete solar system designed to blend into the existing roof. These solar panels will generate electricity to run the homes and excess electricity generated is fed back into the power grid for PG&E to redistribute. On a sunny day the electric meter can literally run backward!
While the standard solar panels are the focal point of these new homes, they offer several other energy saving amenities as well. Each home comes standard with dual pane windows. The windows were designed and located to optimize light, reducing the need to turn on lights. The windows help natural light flow through the home while utilizing the sun to warm the home during the winter.
Inside the home all lights have energy saving fluorescent bulbs standard. Water conserving faucets and fixtures are installed throughout. The furnace is a high efficiency, pilotless unit. All exterior access points, including windows, doors, and all ducts, are tightly sealed and weather-stripped. The ceiling and walls are insulated, so the home will maintain heat in the winter and cooler temperatures in the summer.
The exterior of the home is designed to be energy efficient and aesthetic. The landscaping surrounding the home is designed to be attractive and green, while requiring little water, even during the hot summer months.
These homes have received great reviews by a large number of agencies and environmental groups. The hope is that more and more communities like these will be built all throughout California as it strives to reach the State’s goal of 1 million solar powered homes.