Energy Planet

Sebring Builders, a privately owned Builder/Developer is hoping to become a “trendsetter”. In 2006, Sebring Builders started planning to build Stone Ridge, a private, gated community in the small central Florida town of Sebring. With single family homes starting just under $200,000, they thought this development had everything to offer, great location, clubhouse with many amenities, maintenance fee that included lawn care, wireless internet and cable TV, etc. Then, in early 2007, Florida Solar Innovators contacted owners, Rick Bennett and Randy Bean, about using one of the model homes in Stone Ridge to install a Photovoltaic System and possibly offering this as an option to home buyers.

Not knowing much about solar electricity, they decided to explore the idea. After a few months of phone calls, meetings and much research, they were surprised to find how little solar energy is being utilized in the “Sunshine State” of all places. Sebring Builders also found that with the Federal and State incentives, solar power wasn’t nearly as expensive as they had originally thought it was.

With much discussion the decision was made, solar would not be offered as an option or upgrade in the Stone Ridge development, it would be a standard, not only on the 188 single family homes to be built, but on the clubhouse as well.

“This is something that we can give to our customers that will continue to benefit not only them but the community and environment as well, forever.” says Rick Bennett. At this time, Stone Ridge will be the largest solar powered community in Florida, consisting of 188 single family homes each with a Photovoltaic System.

“This is just the beginning for us, we plan on making all of our future projects solar and hope that other builders will follow our example.” says Randy Bean. If each one of us does what we can in making the transition to some sort of alternative energy, the impact it makes can be great.

For more information contact Sebring Builders at (863) 386-5550 or visit our website, www.sebringbuilders.com