Sunworks Collaborates with Fernandina Home Builders on Solar

Jacksonville, FL (November 2, 2006) In conjunction with Built Smart Builders of Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville-based Sunworks Solar Systems, Inc. is now installing solar water heaters in homes being constructed by the company.

"We have been building and distributing energy-efficient building panels for 10 years under the name of Premium Panel Homes and recently starting our own home construction business," said Built Smart Builders co-owner Catherine Garrett. "We know what to look for to make our homes as energy-efficient as possible, and Sunworks gives us the ability to enhance that efficiency even more."

Although she has been involved in energy saving construction for many years, Garrett says that higher energy prices are making her homes more appealing to buyers.

"I’ve been waiting 10 years for home consumers to turn the corner when it comes to buying energy efficient homes, and now I think the time has come for builders like us," Garrett said.

Since starting Built Smart Builders, co-owned by her and husband Charles, the company has constructed eight homes in Fernandina – including two 1,836-square-foot two-story homes on Oak Drive. Each home boasts a 91 on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS).

One of the two homes has already sold, and Garrett says the new home owner will save about $50 each month on their electric bill. The homes also have foam and panel insulation, urethane foam along the interior roof area and tubular skylights that take advantage of the sun in lighting dark hallways.

Garrett says Built Smart plans to incorporate Sunworks solar water systems, and possibly solar panel (photo voltaic) systems in all the homes they build for the foreseeable future.

A discussion with the Garretts prompted Charles Milner, owner of Charles Milner Construction, to contact Sunworks to install a solar hot water system at a 2000-square-foot townhome his company is constructing on Tarpon Road – just a few blocks from Fernandina Beach.

"I think it will make a good selling point for the townhome," Garrett said.

In the solar energy business since 1973, SUNWORKS Solar Systems, Inc. is the largest solar energy distributor and installation company in northeast Florida and is a member of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. The company provides consulting, installation and service for solar water, pool heating, solar electric (photovoltaic) systems, skylights, and wind-power systems. For more information, contact 904-731-2099 or visit www.solarenergy.com.

Media Contact: Ron Whittington (904-563-0402)