SunBuilt counts about 88 participating builders across Florida at this writing. About twenty percent of those are Gold level builders committed to installing solar water heating systems in every home they build. No other solar program in the nation has forged this level of builder commitment.
Initially SunBuilt operated as a demonstration program to familiarize builders with solar water heaters. In the past few years, the program evolved into a two-tiered program, offering builders silver and gold participation levels. At the silver level, builders include solar water heaters in their most up-to-date options list. For that pledge, they receive a $500 rebate for each system installed. SunBuilt Gold Builders install solar water heaters as a standard feature. This commitment earns them a free solar water heater installed on a parade or model home in addition to the $500 rebate they receive for each system installed.
As SunBuilt Gold Builders have become staunch solar advocates, the program broadened to “SunBuilt Gold Solar Communities.” Homes in these communities are carbon-smart efficient homes each fitted with a solar water heater. Homebuyers investing into these solar communities have the extra option of including solar electric and pool heating technologies. These same technologies are also incorporated throughout community common areas where they make the most sense.
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