In cooperation with De Young Properties of Fresno, First Solar donated 66 solar modules, and SolarCity donated the installation and labor, mounting system and other components, and its SolarGuard monitoring service to the project. Thirty-five of SolarCityÂ’s Fresno-based employees joined hundreds of others to volunteer for the whirlwind, six-day building effort in January.
The entire solar system and installation, valued at approximately $40,000, is expected to supply renewable electricity for 25 years or more. SolarCity estimates the solar system will offset more than half the Riojas familyÂ’s electricity use, and save them tens of thousands of dollars over its lifetime.
Mary Ann Riojas has spent much of her life helping others. Riojas works at the local housing authority, helping struggling families find housing in the community. She has also worked as a national ambassador for the Easter Seals program, inspiring many to overcome adversity.
Mary Anne was born with a disability that requires her to use a wheelchair. The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team designed and built a house for Mary Anne that accommodates her disability, includes room for her four children, and showcases some of the best money-saving, green building options available.
In addition to the solar system, the house qualifies as GreenPoint Rated, meaning it is more than 35 percent more energy-efficient than CaliforniaÂ’s high standards.
The house has a high-quality ventilation system, blown-in insulation, dual-paned windows, a tank-less water heater, and fixtures designed to save water.