Pardee Homes "Summer of Solar" Giveaway For Los Angeles/Ventura Area New-Home Buyers Means A Solar Power System With Purchase + Big, Long-Term Savings Potential on Their Energy Bills

    SANTA BARBARA, CA, June 15, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- New home shoppers in the Los Angeles/Ventura counties area who make their pick with Pardee Homes this summer can secure their own reliable, emission-free power now and over the long term, thanks to a solar package giveaway that's included with a new home purchase. "Our 'Summer of Solar' opportunity is unprecedented," said Joyce Mason, vice president of marketing for Pardee Homes.

"Buyers gain a premium, price-included solar package, adding to the pleasures of having a stylish, high-quality new home," she said. "Plus that new home already offers superior energy efficiency and the many additional green benefits of our award-winning LivingSmart brand."

This special offer applies only to new homes that are just starting construction at Cherry Hill in Moorpark Highlands in Moorpark, in Ventura County, California and to Laurel Park and Oak Crest in Fair Oaks Ranch in the Santa Clarita Valley in Los Angeles County. The offer features the high-efficiency1.4 kilowatt, roof-integrated system SunTile system, designed and installed by SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWRA).

Mason said that buyers with solar power in their new home can expect significant savings on energy bills during peak summer months as a key benefit of the "Summer of Solar" package. Additionally, they may qualify for a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the value of their new solar power system.

Mason noted that if SunPower's system produces more electricity than your new home consumes, the electric meter runs backwards and you receive credit from your local utility. "Solar power helps you contain utility expenses, and generates renewable energy effortlessly," said Mason. "It's non-polluting, has no moving parts and turns on automatically."

SunPower's roof-integrated SunTile solar electric system is aesthetically pleasing and high-performance, with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty and 25-year power output warranty. Plus, most homes in the "Summer of Solar" program can also accept an optional, larger SunPower system, which can enhance cost savings, as well as the federal tax credit.

"SunPower manufactures the most efficient solar technology available today, and we are proud of the system they are bringing to our 'Summer of Solar' home buyers!" Mason said.

"This exceptional solar package underscores Pardee Homes' unswerving commitment to greener, more sustainable homes and communities," she added. "Higher energy efficiency inspired LivingSmart more than a decade ago, and solar power greatly enhances its energy-savings component."

LivingSmart meets or exceeds local, state and national standards for green home building. It offers more than 30 included and optional green features, materials and systems that boost energy efficiency, save water, improve indoor air quality and encourage material conservation and the use of recycled or sustainable resources in new homes. http://www.pardeehomes.com/living-smart/.

Exclusively available in Pardee Homes' LA/Ventura counties market, "Summer of Solar" applies to the purchase of available new homes just starting construction at Moorpark Highlands or at Fair Oaks Ranch. Both of these Pardee Homes master-planned communities feature significant open space preserves, recreational amenities and proximity to Metrolink, freeways and shopping and services.

Pricing is from the upper $600,000s at Cherry Hill in Moorpark Highlands. These detached homes are in a gated area, and offer up to 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, in plans ranging from approximately 2,607 to 3,479 square feet, plus an attached garage. http://www.pardeehomes.com/moorpark-highlands/cherry-hill/

At Fair Oaks Ranch, Laurel Park homes are priced from the mid $400,000s, and offer approximately 1,830 to 2,432 square feet of living space with up to 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, plus attached garage. From the high $500,000s, Oak Crest homes have approximately 3,211 to 3,960 square feet and up to 6 bedrooms and 4 baths, plus attached garage. http://www.pardeehomes.com/fair-oaks-ranch/laurel-park/ and http://www.pardeehomes.com/fair-oaks-ranch/oak-crest/

"Home shoppers see many claims of energy efficiency when they look at new homes," noted Matt Brost, general manager of SunPower's New Homes Division. "When they come to Pardee Homes' neighborhoods, they find that this company delivers--its LivingSmart homes exceed California's Title 24, by at least 15%, and Title 24 is by far the nation's toughest energy code.

"With the SunTile system SunPower is providing to Pardee's 'Summer of Solar' program, buyers will be doing much more than protecting themselves against rising energy prices," Brost added. "Solar power reduces oil and natural gas use by offsetting peak electricity demand, and it's a vital part of our national effort to develop clean, renewable, domestic energy."

Mason urged home shoppers to obtain more details on "Summer of Solar by visiting the Laurel Park, Oak Crest and Cherry Hill model centers. "SunPower is providing all the tools buyers need to understand the solar investment tax credit, analyze the economics and determine the value of solar power for themselves and their families," she said. "They will also find customer satisfaction surveys, answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and much more.

Prospective home buyers can also begin by contacting online sales counselors with Pardee Homes, which provides this service as part of its BuyingSmart program. The online, interactive buying guide provides assistance for each step of the home buying process. Learn more at http://www.pardeehomes.com/buying-smart/

"Summer has always been a great time to buy a new home," Mason added. "With our 'Summer of Solar' offer, summer is now the time!"

Pardee Homes offers broker co-op. Brokers must accompany prospective buyers on the initial visit to a Pardee Homes neighborhood.

Pardee model centers are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Monday, when hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. To reach Moorpark Highlands take the 118 Freeway to Los Angeles Avenue; exit and head west into Moorpark. Turn right on Spring Road and continue past Charles Street, following signs. Call 805-530-1508 for Cherry Hill.

To reach Fair Oaks Ranch, take the 5 Freeway to the 14 Freeway North and exit at Via Princessa; turn right to enter Fair Oaks Ranch. Turn left at Lost Canyon Road and follow signs to the various sales galleries. Call Laurel Park at 661-299-5409; call Oak Crest at 661-252-2394.

Established in 1921, Pardee Homes is recognized for superior master-planning concepts, quality homes, responsive customer service and dedication to the educational and civic goals of the communities in which it builds. Particularly noted for leadership in green home building and sustainable development, Pardee was named 2010 Green Building Advocate Award by the National Association of Home Builders. http://www.pardeehomes.com.

Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Also see www.sunpowercorp.com.

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