SUCCESS STORY

Jessica and Mark Matus Enjoy First Home and First

$12 Electric Bill, Thanks to SOLARplus and SunPower
Tax auditor Jessica Matus takes the same care looking for a new home that she takes analyzing
financials. She and then-fianc Mark Matus spent two years looking at more than 100 homes throughout
Sacramento. Only one made the cut: A home in Lennars Cazadero community in Rancho Cordova,
which combined energy-efficient features with a SunPower SunTile roof-integrated solar system. After
marrying in September 2007, the couple moved into their new home in January. Taking care to find the
right home paid off. Their first energy bill of $12 bodes well for more low bills to come.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Cazadero, Rancho Cordova, CA
Home Built: 2007
System Size: 2.3 kWp

Coworkers Low Energy Bills Inspire Couple to Go Solar

After marrying in September 2007, Jessica and Mark Matus bought a singlestory, 1,822-square-foot home in Lennars Cazadero community in Rancho
Cordova. They chose Cazadero because it was the only community to
combine energy-efficiency features with a SunPower solar system. Jessicas
coworker, who lived in a solar-powered home, frequently boasted of $15
energy bills. The couple wanted to save money while doing the right thing.
We were hoping the solar system would help offset some of that new home
cost, Jessica said. And we loved that Lennar built energy efficiency into the
home from the inside.
SOLARplus Energy-Efficient Home Makes Meter Run Backwards
Like every new home in Lennars Cazadero community, Jessicas and Marks

When youre looking at

came with SOLARplus, an energy-efficient system whose features include

homes, you should consider

a radiant heat barrier, high-efficiency lighting and appliances, dual-glazed

solar along with square

windows, and a SunPower SunTile 2.3 kW roof-integrated solar system.

footage. The tax credits the

Everything works together to maximize Jessicas and Marks energy savings,

first year are amazing. Its

which the couple monitors online. We can watch our meter running

also a great selling point

backwards, Jessica said. A roof-integrated solar system means they dont

when you want to sell your

have to sacrifice appearances. The solar tiles really blend in, Jessica said.

home again. And theres

Theyre aesthetically pleasing and look just like they are a part of your roof.

absolutely no sacrifice. I still

Couples Monthly Electric Bill Drops from $200 to $12

run my dishwasher, and I

After watching their electric bill plummet from $200 to $12 in the first month,

still run the heater when its

Jessica and Mark were already singing the praises of their SOLARplus home.

cold. But I feel less guilty.

Despite a cold winter, their utility bills stayed low, due to SOLARplus energy
efficiency features. I turn on the heater for five minutes, Jessica said. It stays

Jessica Matus,
Homeowner, Cazadero
Community

 because
 its so sealed. The summer months, with their longer
warm for hours







Date to Production
days, promise even greater savings. The couple expects to sell power back
5/1/2008
14.72

the grid. I think well end up zeroing out our bill, Jessica said.
MAY 2008 ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION & CONSUMPTION

60

Energy (kW h)

45

30

15

5/1

5/4

5/7

5/10

5/13

5/16

5/19

solar production
SunPower Corporation 1-877-34-HOMES
0
15

3.75
18.75

7.5
22.5

11.25
26.25

5/22

5/25

home consumption

15
30

5/28

Usage
11.305
5/2/2008
9.69 14.2025 1
5/3/2008
13.69 12.975
5/4/2008
14.3 15.31
5/5/2008
14.15 18.865 02
5/6/2008
14.08 11.445
5/7/2008
14.16 11.9525 1
5/8/2008
14.1 26.86
5/9/2008
13.54 12.4324 9
5/10/2008
13.66 23.125
5/11/2008
13.92 34.0125 3
5/12/2008
14.76 15.3025
5/13/2008
14.03 18.1424
5/14/2008
11.34 25.5775 1
5/15/2008
13.52 32.0575 5
5/16/2008
13.62 25.234 9
5/17/2008
13.37 37.40 99
5/18/2008
14.11 51.484 9
5/19/2008
13.38 27.27 003
5/20/2008
14.19 12.17
5/21/2008
15.05 17.8325
15.14 12.9925
5/31 5/22/2008
5/23/2008
11.14 18.2525 1
5/24/2008
5.31 11.57
5/25/2008
10.9 13.465
5/26/2008
14.39 21.6325
sunpowersolarhomes.com
5/27/2008
14.5 10.3174 9
5/28/2008
15.29 10.0425
5/29/2008
15.38 29.1075 2