Solaris Homes

Our homes are the most intelligently designed, energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes of their class ever built.

 

 

Energy Efficiency Exceeds ENERGY STAR performance for homes Uses 25% of the electricity of an equivalent sized house Reduces electricity by up to 80% by using LED lights or compact fluorescent bulbs Built in Environment Management and Automation System minimizes and measures energy usage   Solaris Homes Environmental by Design A home owner's eye view of LEED for Homes: Categories which Solaris Homes meet or exceed LEED standards.             Sustainable Design Permeable landscaping decreases run-off Permanent Erosion Control Use of non-toxic pest controls Water Conservation High Efficiency Irrigation Systems: Rain sensors Ground humidity sensors Connection to weather forecasts modifies watering frequency Minimal watering needs through drought tolerant landscaping Low flow toilets, showers and faucets conserve water               Healthy Indoor Environment Provides a healthy airflow During construction, air ducts are tightly sealed, keeping out harmful materials Central Vacuum Low VOC Paint           Eco-Friendly Elements Environmentally preferable materials are used through out the interiors of the homes: Bamboo Floors Natural Fiber Carpeting Cork Flooring               To learn more about LEED for Homes, visit The Green Home Guide or Green Home Owner FAQ.

Joint Venture: Solaris Communities

Drawing on Solaris Home Systems’ environmentally smart home technology, visionary Tom Pirelli conceived the creation of a community of energy efficient green homes to be built in St. Lucie County, Florida in 2003. His vision included building stylish, comfortable homes that reduce utility bills, protect the environment and decrease the home owner’s work in being energy efficient.

To undertake his grand vision, Pirelli joined forces with two companies, Cribb Construction, one of South Florida’s premier luxury estate builders and Affiniti Architects, an architecture firm with over 22 years experience specializing in custom residential and resort projects. The first two model homes for Solaris Communities, Lucia and Aura, combine the advanced EMA energy- aware computer system with the best design and construction techniques in green building.

Solaris Communities’ homes are built based on sustainable building practices while incorporating numerous Florida lifestyle elements. The revolutionary E-Wall system withstands 225 mph hurricane force winds. An “Old Florida” reflective metal roof helps control indoor air temperature, while fully insulated duct work prevents both energy loss and moisture entry. Designer elements such as renewable bamboo and cork flooring, low VOC paint and natural fiber carpeting provide the home owner with the final touches for today’s green and Eco Chic lifestyles.

Solaris Home Features

	Reflective Metal Roof - The roof is covered with a sun reflecting, galvanized steel which reflects 90% of the sun's heat energy, resulting in a much cooler attic and lower air conditioning costs.
	Irrigation Control - A rain sensor, an Internet connection to the weather forecast, and ground humidity sensors are used to modify the computer controlled sprinkler system for weather conditions.  The sprinklers will not be activated if it is raining, if it is likely to rain, or if the ground is sufficiently wet such that further watering is unnecessary.  This results in significant water savings.  The computer controlled yard sprinkler system can be set for emergency drought regulations with the touch of a button.
	Electronic Access - An electronic lock is used for the entrance to the house from the garage.  Access is gained with either a code, or with the wave of an RFID keychain fob (similar to the Mobile SpeedPass®).  All door openings are monitored by the computer system and the web cams record who is coming and going for extra security.
	Driveway Web Cam - The homes can be viewed over the Internet from the "Driveway Cam", which is a web cam mounted on a pole at the end of the driveway, pointed back at the house.  The camera offers pan/zoom/tilt functionality, and automatically records a picture whenever the driveway sensor or doorbell is rung.
	Solar Power - Our current model designs have 4.08 KW (kilo-watt) PV (photo-voltaic) systems installed.  Each home model that we work with gets a custom system designed for its roof space.
	Solar Hot Water - The PV-powered solar hot water heater provides 90% or more of the annual hot water needs for a household of four, significantly reducing gas or electric bills.

Other features include...

• The most efficient, energy star rated appliances are included in the house purchase price.  Both the dishwasher and the clothes washer use less water than conventional models.
• All lights in the house are compact fluorescent or LED lights, reducing electricity use by 80% compared to incandescent lights.  Lights are automatically turned on and off by motion detectors and computer controlled timers when rooms are entered or are unoccupied.
• The E-Wall system used to build a Solaris Home has a two inch thick layer of industrial, closed cell polystyrene insulatio0n on the inside of the house, plus a thick concrete wall that acts as a heat sink.  This building technique not only results in exceptional strength for the walls, but it prevents the inside of the house from getting too hot or too cool relative to the outside air temperature.
• The most environmentally friendly, low VOC paints and other building materials (carpeting, bamboo and cork flooring, etc.) are used in the Solaris Homes.
• The air conditioning ducts are tightly sealed, and located in an air-conditioned space, preventing energy losses.
• The underside of the roof in the attic is covered with an 8" layer of Icynene, which is a highly effective insulation material, resulting in a cooler attic and lower air conditioning costs.
• A hot water circulation pump, activated by motion detectors in each bathroom provide immediate hot water when the tap is opened.  This is not only a convenience feature, but it results in significant water savings.  Residents no longer have to let the water run until it is hot.
• Electricity is sold back to the public utility what a Solaris Home's solar panels are generating more electricity than is being used in the house.
• The Environmental Control Computer System monitors every aspect of the home's energy use and water use.  The statistics show continuously on computer screens in the house.
• A Solaris Home comes pre-installed with high speed wired and wireless internet access in every room.
• Two, easy-to-use touchscreen computers are included in the Solaris Home price.  One screen is located in the transition area from the garage to the house for checking voice mail messages, activating the security system, and monitoring the home functions.  The other touchscreen is located in the desk area of the kitchen.
• An "Away" mode can be set that not only arms the security system, but also minimized energy use in an unoccupied home.  Some of the features of this mode are:
  • If any door or windows to the outside is opened, or any motion is detected within the house, a loud alarm is played throughout the house, lights are flashed, and your cell phone is called with a notification.  Optionally, a security firm can also be notified.
  • All the motorized shades are lowered to keep the sun's rays from heating the house.
  • The average room temperature is allowed to rise to the 80-83 degree range.  The house will be cooled back to your desired temperature 30 minutes before your return.
  • All lights are turned off automatically.
  • "Phantom" electrical loads are shut off, such as the power to your TV.
  • This mode results in significant energy savings when the family is away on a vacation or extended trip.