On January 21st, 2013, SolarCity (San Mateo, California, U.S.) announced its “net zero” model concept to the homebuilding industry at this year's International Builders Show (IBS), hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The New American Home, designed by Blue Heron, runs on solar power generated by 56 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that create more energy than the home needs in a year, the company states.
SolarCity launched its homebuilder partner program to incorporate solar in new residential construction and dramatically lower a homeowner's energy costs by allowing them to generate their own clean power.
The company's installations for new homebuilder construction grew by more than 350% from 2011 to 2012. The company has formed partnerships with more than 30 national and regional homebuilders in 100+ communities across the U.S., according to SolarCity.