KB Home Teams Up with SunPower for Energy Storage Solutions - Analyst Blog

KB Home KBH in collaboration with SunPower Corp.  SPWR initiated a pilot program of installing new energy storage solutions in some of the communities in Irvine, El Dorado Hills, and San Diego, CA. KB Home already offers high-efficiency solar power systems in more than 150 KB Home communities in California.

This pilot program includes high efficiency solar power systems, which store solar energy during the day. SunPower expects a wider rollout to more communities next year. The company has already started installing energy storage solutions on a pilot basis in Australia and Germany.

The new energy storage technology will offer an alternative energy source, especially during power outages.  In the future, battery storage will help homeowners to tackle energy loads and even use it to charge electric cars.

In March, KB Home had collaborated with SunPower to install a 3-kilowatt high-efficiency photovoltaic system for its communities in Arizona. The company has already built 2,200 solar power homes in some of the communities in California, Colorado, Nevada and Texas.

Homebuyers tend to look for properties, which minimize their home maintenance costs. These often include larger floor space to accommodate future needs, energy efficient electric appliances and other facilities.  KB Home focuses on meeting this demand of the homebuyers.

All KBH homes offer energy efficient features and help residents save on their utility bills. The homes incorporate Energy Star certified appliances, Wiser home management systems, and WaterSense labeled faucets and fixtures, which also help to conserve natural resources. KB Home estimates that  homeowners can save $216 per month or about $25,900 over 10 years from Energy Star certified homes, given the current residential electric rates.

KB Home carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Other Stocks to Consider

Investors interested in the homebuilding industry can consider stocks like Gafisa S.A. GFA, and TRI Pointe Homes, Inc. TPH. Both the companies hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).