America's first solar-powered community has made headlines for having an “amazing” effect on residents' electricity bills and even surviving Hurricane Milton unscathed without losing power.
Billed as “Tomorrow's Home,” this planned community in Punta Gorda, Florida, just 25 miles from Fort Myers, is fueled by solar energy thanks to the Babcock Ranch Solar Energy Center's 880-acre solar farm. Supplied.
Its central gathering place, Founders Square, also includes a solar tree where residents can charge their devices.
All homes at Babcock Ranch are built to minimum bronze standard FGBC certification with many energy-saving components. Models range in price from just under $300,000 to $4 million.
The super-resilient structure features high-performance windows and insulation. Solid structure and ducts. Efficient heating and cooling equipment. Energy-saving lighting and home appliances.
All of these features result in lower utility bills, which attracts residents.
“It's so important to know that we're having a positive impact on the planet,” says Jason Upperko, a 49-year-old executive who recently built a home on Babcock Ranch.
Upperco moved in ahead of schedule and rented space in the community's build-to-rent area. flat woodsto know the circumstances of the land.
Resident Janet Dulaney said the first time she opened her electric bill after moving to Babcock Ranch, she was “blown away.”
“It cost half as much as the old house, but now it has twice the square footage,” she said. Babcock Ranch Telegram.
“It also helps the environment,” Dulaney noted, calling it a big win-win.
Homes are also resilient to climate change
Babcock Ranch's energy efficient homes are climate resilient. The community also has a reputation as “Florida's first hurricane-proof town.”
“We were on a mission to build the most innovative, resilient and climate-resilient town in America, and we accomplished it in just a few short years,” said former NFL player and Babcock Ranch said Sid Kitson, co-founder of. .
Florida is America's hurricane capital, but all Babcock Ranch homes and buildings are built to withstand winds of 150 miles per hour. It is also located inland and 30 feet above sea level, which minimizes the effects of storm surge.
Approximately 90% of the community is built on preserved wetlands, which naturally collect excess water and prevent flooding.
The community has smart pond systemconnected to live weather forecast data. That information is used to predict water levels and automatically lower them before a storm arrives if necessary.
When Hurricane Milton hit Florida last month, two buildings at Babcock Ranch were destroyed. designated as an evacuation center The Florida Department of Emergency Management was alerted and 2,000 people were evacuated.
The storm left 3.3 million people without power in Florida, but Babcock Ranch did not.
That's because power lines are buried underground to protect them from wind damage, and a large on-site solar farm provides reliable power even during grid outages.
Kitson said his Babcock Ranch team works with Mother Nature (rather than against it) and constantly monitors changing environmental demands.
Babcock Ranch Inspiration
Sustainability, resiliency, and innovation have been Kitson’s passions since his days as a student at Wake Forest University.
After graduating, he was drafted into the NFL and played for the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.
Shortly after hanging up his pads and helmet, he started a real estate development company.
“In the early 2000s, we believed that clean energy and sustainable development could set the future standard for development around the world,” says Kitson.
In 2006, his team put that belief into action and purchased the Babcock Ranch in southwest Florida, an area five times the size of Manhattan.
“Shortly thereafter, we sold 73,000 acres to Florida to preserve for future generations,” Kitson says.
And they set out to do something no one had done before: work with Mother Nature to build profitable communities.
For his ingenuity and hard work, Kitson has earned Time magazine'sDreamer of the Year” 2023.
He admits the path to get here hasn't always been easy. “Future 'innovators', if you try to do something unprecedented, prepare to be rejected.”
Although Kitson has overcome countless obstacles along his journey, he now believes that “Babcock Ranch's growth and success will help people around the world who are leaving a positive or neutral impact on the planet.” I hope it can inspire the community.”
Upperco believes other communities across the country should follow suit.
“This town should be replicated everywhere,” he says.
Babcock Ranch offers a variety of activities to help residents reduce their carbon footprint by driving less and staying local.
“Attend live Friday night concerts and food trucks in Founders Square, a weekend pop-up farmers market, and a variety of fitness and nutrition classes offered through the on-site Wellway Health & Fitness Center I especially like that,” says Upperko.
The neighborhood is within walking distance, and many children walk or bike to school.
“My children spend most of their time playing outside all day with their friends,” one homeowner wrote. reddit. “All parents know to look out for each other and their children, so I always keep an eye on them. My children are now 9 and 7 and are finally starting to live their lives. Honestly, I don't want to move.”
There are five nearby lakes for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Two resident lodges, Lake Timber Lodge and Cypress Lodge, feature swimming pools, hunting lawns, and fishing areas.
In addition, Babcock Ranch hosts “holiday events, community groups, sports, hiking, biking, golf, pickleball, and countless other events,” Upperko said. “The community is amazing.”
