Elliott Homes and SMUD Sign SolarSmart® Home Partnership

Elliott Homes and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) have partnered to build the first SMUD SolarSmart® community in Folsom. Homes at The New Riata will feature the most cost-effective combination of energy efficiency and low-profile solar modules to generate electricity available today. By using the sun's power to generate electricity and with other energy-saving features, SolarSmart homes will be capable of reducing annual energy bills by as much as 60 percent. Visitors are invited to tour solar-integrated homes and view the Demonstration Garage, which will display the tankless water heater, "cool" roof system, concrete tile roof, enhanced insulation and other energy-saving devices.

            Monthly electric bills for similar homes built to local area building code requirements average $63 to $136 per month. SolarSmart new home electric bills are expected to range from $22 to $70 per month. On sunny days most homeowners will be able to generate nearly all of the power needed to meet their home energy needs. Some customers will generate even more power than they use and will carry a zero balance, or even a credit, into the next month. Even on cloudy and cold winter days, homeowners will be able to generate their own electricity.

SMUD SolarSmart home energy-saving features are:

•        2.52 KW solar electric power system that collects and converts sunlight into usable electricity
•        High-efficiency SEER 14 heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system
•        Radiant barrier sheathing in the attic that reflects up to 95% of the sun's radiant heat to lower attic temperatures
•        Low-e windows that reduce sun glare, furniture fading, energy loss, and noise penetration and surpass industry standards for durability
•      Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) that reduce energy waste, generate less heat and can last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.

        Along with the SMUD SolarSmart features, Elliott Homes incorporates a wealth of other money- and energy-saving amenities into each home, including water-saving plumbing fixtures, enhanced insulation and solar tube lighting systems. Sales representatives have more details.  

        The New Riata is in the master-planned community of Empire Ranch in Folsom. It is close to Folsom Lake, has expansive views, and prices includes custom Designer Dream Packages with two-tone paint schemes; upgraded carpet, pad and light fixtures; granite and stone fireplace surround; custom tile flooring; granite slab kitchen countertops; custom window package and complete alarm system at no extra charge. Complete backyard landscaping with patio is included. Homes range from 1,777 to 3,246 square feet and from three bedrooms, two bathrooms to five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms. Prices range from the $450,000s. (916) 983-5406

        To get to Riata at Empire Ranch from downtown Sacramento, take Highway 50 east. Exit on East Bidwell Street and turn left toward Folsom. Turn right in approximately ½ mile onto Broadstone Parkway, left on Empire Ranch Road, left on Fehr Road and right on Burlond Court to 661 Burlond Court. The sales office is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends. Closed Thursday. For more information, call 916-983-5406 or log on to www.elliotthomes.com.

Other Elliott Homes communities in the area include:

•        Chelsea at Empire Ranch, Folsom. Three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms. Square footage ranges from 1,344 to 1,850. Tucked into the rolling foothills of Folsom with neighborhood views from the surrounding nature preserve and walking trails. From the $340,000s. (916) 817-8445
•        Terra Vista at Stone Ridge, Roseville. Three to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms. Square footage ranges from 1,777 to 2,900. Views. Large lots on a cul de sac available. Choice of Designer Dream Package with rich paint schemes, flooring upgrades, granite slab kitchen counters, custom window coverings and complete alarm system included in the price. From the $450,000s. (916) 780-1665
•        The Alexander Collection at Stone Creek, Rancho Cordova. Three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms. Square footage ranges from 1,233 to 2,208. Built for on-the-go families who desire convenience and low-maintenance yards. Close to Highway 50 and downtown Sacramento, and close to the sports and entertainment venue, Stone Creek Park.