Solar contractor Planet Solar is the solar panel provider for the Huntley Indian Wells community, a new residential project in Indian Wells, California, that will use LG solar panels. The 18-unit neighborhood is the first new residential build in the city in 12 years.
Every new home will be outfitted with LG NeON 2 Black 335- to 350-W solar panels along with an inverter.
The Huntley Indian Wells community is being built in three phases, each composed of six homes. Homebuyers will meet with Planet Solar representatives to customize their solar system size, based upon expected residency and specific needs such as electric vehicles. All homes will be pre-wired for solar energy during construction; which enables the installation process to be seamless and efficient. This will also allow the installer to meet Title 24 standards and potentially provide enough electricity to meet the homeowner’s estimated annual power needs.
With move-in dates expected to take place within the next year, the construction for the first phase is being finalized. Roof installations will be the last step in the construction process.
News item from Planet Solar
Got to keep in mind, it depends on LEEDs efficiency of the building envelope. Indian Wells in the Coachella valley has many days that are 100 plus degrees Fahrenheit. Homes in the Coachella valley need more insulation in walls and ceilings, strategically located double and triple pane windows all Energy Star appliances in particular air conditioning units that have inverter driven compressors. These types of units can address “over driving” where the A/C unit can actually address cooling the home in ambient temperatures of up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit. For something around the 2,000 to 2,500 square foot home market, one will need a 12kWp to 15kWp solar PV array, about 670 to 835 square feet of roof space available. Smart energy storage, would allow the copious amounts of sun harvested energy to run the home, perhaps for 24 hours during the Winter months.