KB Home to unveil new solar panel-equipped home models in grand opening of master-planned Rosedale community in Azusa, California, on Oct. 15

Lorena Madrigal

LOS ANGELES , October 14, 2011 (Industry Intelligence) – KB Home will host a grand opening of its Rosedale community in Azusa, California on Saturday, Oct. 15, showcasing its solar-panel equipped home models, the Pasadena Star-News reported Oct. 13.

The community will include three models within the mid-US$400,000 range; two models will be showcased during the event. Each two-story home will include between three and five bedrooms, two-and-a-half to three bathrooms and a two-car garage.

About 58 homes will be built in the master-planned community, each one with its own 1.4-kilowatt solar system. According to the president of KB's Southern California division Steve Ruffner, this should decrease electricity bills by 30%, the newspaper reported.

Ruffner said he is expecting a “great turnout” as low interest rates and a 1.3% property tax rate has spurred great interest in the community.

A federal tax credit of up to 30% will also be available for homebuyers for the $7,500 solar system, and it will cover an upgrade to a 3.2-kilowatt system. The upgrade could lower utility bills to almost zero, Ruffner added.

According to realtor Donna Baker, who works with Monrovia, California’s Podley Properties, demand for homes in the mid-$400,000 range still remains.

About 200 acres of open space, 10 parks with recreational facilities, a clubhouse and a recreation center will be part of KB Home’s Rosedale community.

The primary source of this article is the Pasadena Star-News, Pasadena, California, on Oct. 13, 2011.

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