New Colo. residences to be solar powered

LAFAYETTE, Colo., July 9 (UPI) -- Sun Electric Systems is set to install a solar and thermal system in a new housing development in Lafayette, Colo., cutting energy consumption in half.

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter dedicated the Eagle Place project on June 30 by guiding a crane to place the first of 96 solar thermal panels on a roof. Company officials say the project will include a 64 kilowatt solar electric system consisting of 322 solar photovoltaic panels for 60 housing units.

Sun Electric Systems specializes in architecturally integrated renewable energy systems. The photovoltaic panels at Eagle Place are mounted as solar awnings that also provide shade for each unit in the summer, while allowing low winter sunshine into the apartments.

"This is Colorado's most energy efficient affordable housing project and our goal is to be the nation's most energy efficient," Amory Host of Peak Properties said in a company statement. "We are setting a national and statewide precedent on how solar energy systems are funded in affordable housing projects."

Officials estimate the Eagle Place development will use 50 percent of the energy of comparable buildings and is expected to exceed Colorado Built Green standards by 250 percent. The solar systems are the result of a new financing model for renewable energy in federally subsidized housing that shifts revenues from the utility to the builder.

Eagle Place Townhouses consists of 60 two- and three-bedroom family rentals. It is permanently deeded restricted for families earning less than 40 percent of the Boulder County area median income.