Pinn Brothers Fine Homes has announced that it is adopting an aggressive regional strategy to standardize solar energy in its building practices.

The first community where these solar electric systems will be featured is in Brentwood, where Pinn Brothers has started construction on 455 single-family houses.

Old Country Roofing (OCR), Northern California's largest roofing company, will install the solar electric systems using its comprehensive turn-key solar roofing solution. Working closely with its supply partner, BP Solar, OCR will install a BP solar electric system on each house. The houses will feature BP Solar's premium solar products for the new-house market, including BP Solar EnergyTile™ roof-integrated solar modules and BP Solar Integra low-profile solar modules.

Brentwood Mayor and solar advocate Robert Taylor is excited about this development and what it will mean for the city. "There is no doubt that solar power is the way of the future. Given the choice, I believe that Brentwood homebuyers will choose to purchase a home that generates its own electricity versus one that doesn't," said Taylor.

"I installed a solar system on my own home, and my electric bills have gone down dramatically. Pinn Brothers and Old Country Roofing are installing the systems during construction, which makes solar even more affordable because the cost is included in the homebuyer's mortgage."

Alan Pinn, president and founder of Pinn Brothers Fine Homes, says his company is dedicated to helping make Brentwood the most solar-friendly city in California while working toward the California Solar Initiative's goal of one million solar homes.

"We're starting in Brentwood, but we plan to take the solar message across all our communities in California," said Pinn. "We agree with Mayor Taylor that there is no reason to have a roof that doesn't generate power when having one that does is simple, cost effective, and extremely beneficial to the environment.

"Pinn Brothers is a family business that cares deeply about the well-being of our community and the environment. We believe in a company-wide philosophy that supports sustainability and healthy living - from our family to yours, we offer only the best homes built to exceed all expectations."

The Palmilla community sits on more than 100 acres in the heart of Brentwood, and units are expected to range in size from 1,363 to 3,516 square feet. All homes will exceed state energy-efficiency standards by 35 percent or more thanks to tankless water heaters, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, additional insulation, and Solarban high-efficiency windows that block out 70 percent of UV rays.

With the combination of both solar and energy efficiency, homebuyers are expected to save 50 to 70 percent on their electricity bills. Home sales are expected to begin later this year. For more information about Palmilla and other Pinn Brothers' communities, visit www.pinnbros.com.