Solar Shingles

Big news in CA with new homes using solar shingles..read below.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/partner/story?id=49669
August 15, 2007
Pinn Brothers Fine Homes to Standardize Solar, Beginning with 455 Homes in Brentwood
Old Country Roofing and BP Solar Partner with Innovative California Homebuilder to Go Solar
Press Release from Old Country Roofing
Brentwood, CA
Pinn Brothers Fine Homes, an innovative Northern California homebuilder, today announced that it is adopting an aggressive regional strategy to standardize solar energy into its building practices. The first community where these solar electric systems will be featured is in the City of Brentwood, where Pinn Brothers has started construction on 455 single family homes.

"There is no doubt that solar power is the way of the future. Given the choice, I believe that Brentwood homebuyers will choose to purchase a home that generates its own electricity versus one that doesn't." Robert Taylor, Mayor of Brentwood, California.

Old Country Roofing (OCR), Northern California’s largest roofing company, will install the solar electric systems using its comprehensive turn-key solar roofing solution. Working closely with its supply partner, BP Solar, OCR will install a BP solar electric system on each home. The homes will feature BP Solar’s premium solar products for the new home market, including BP Solar EnergyTileTM roof integrated solar modules and BP Solar Integra® low profile solar modules.

Robert Taylor, Mayor of Brentwood and solar advocate, says he is excited about this development and what it will mean for Brentwood.

“There is no doubt that solar power is the way of the future. Given the choice, I believe that Brentwood homebuyers will choose to purchase a home that generates its own electricity versus one that doesn’t,” says Mayor Taylor.

“I installed a solar system on my own home, and my electric bills have gone down dramatically. Pinn Brothers and Old Country Roofing are installing the systems during construction, which makes solar even more affordable because the cost is included in the homebuyer’s mortgage.”

Alan Pinn, President and Founder at Pinn Brothers Fine Homes, says his company is dedicated to helping make Brentwood the most solar-friendly city in California while working toward the California Solar Initiative’s goal of having one million solar homes.

“We’re starting in Brentwood, but we plan to take the solar message across all our communities in California,” says Pinn. “We agree with Mayor Taylor that there is no reason to have a roof that doesn’t generate power when having one that does is simple, cost-effective, and extremely beneficial to the environment.”

“Pinn Brothers is a family business that cares deeply about the well-being of our community and the environment. We believe in a company-wide philosophy that supports sustainability and healthy living - from our family to yours, we offer only the best homes built to exceed all expectations.”

The Palmilla community sits on more than 100 acres in the heart of Brentwood, and units are expected to range in size from 1,363 to 3,516 square feet. All homes will also exceed state energy efficiency standards by 35 percent or more thanks to tankless water heaters, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, additional insulation, and Solarban® high efficiency windows that block out 70% of UV rays. With the combination of both solar and energy efficiency, homebuyers are expected to save 50 to 70 percent on their electricity bills. Home sales are expected to begin later this year. For more information about Palmilla and other Pinn Brothers’ communities, please visit www.pinnbros.com.