Dubbed “eSMART Green” homes, the new buildings feature a range of energy-saving technologies, including low-e windows, Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency HVAC systems, home energy monitors, tankless water heaters and energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Beazer’s new homes are also well insulated and designed with an eye for reducing energy consumption. As a result, they are nearly 50 percent more energy-efficient than similarly sized homes that are built to standard code.

According to the press release, a number of eSmart Green model homes will be open to the public on Saturday, June 5th, from 12 pm to 4 pm, in Casa Grande. Visitors will be able to tour the homes while learning about residential solar energy systems in Arizona. To boot, there is promise of “complimentary refreshments.” Solar power AND free snacks? What more could you ask for?

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As announced by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer earlier this week, the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office has awarded nearly $640,000 in renewable energy project grants for 14 different non-profit organizations statewide. Funding has been available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Most of the 14 organizations are located in Phoenix. Two recipients, the Red Cross of Southern Arizona and the Southern Arizona Aids Foundation, are in Tucson (a city where the utility Tucson Electric Power (TEP) offers one of the best solar rebates going), and two are in Flagstaff. All told, 77 applications were received. See left for a rundown of the winning organizations, courtesy of Governor Brewer’s office.

Installations that qualify for Department of Commerce grants include solar hot water heaters, photovoltaic (PV) electric systems and solar daylighting systems. The idea is that, by alleviating some of the organizations’ operating costs (by reducing electricity bills), the grants free up resources so that the non-profits can serve more Arizona residents. Grants to each non-profit organization were capped at $50,000.

“We’re moving swiftly to invest Arizona’s stimulus dollars into projects that should help boost the State’s economy and provide significant long-term energy savings,” said Gov. Brewer in a press release addressing the investment.

The allocation was spurred by a $55.4 million grant through the State Energy Program (SEP) to the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office.

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