New Apartments offer Free Solar Power

     Solterra, a newly found 114-unit apartment project is nearing its completion, is to be equipped with facilities such as a salt-water pool, games-filled clubhouse as well as a stand-up tanning salon. At this era in the declining economy, there is stiff competition for landlords to attract tenants, especially in luxury areas. Therefore, this sweet luxury area to call home opens in May and offers free electricity to residents.
     In San Diego, this may be the county's first "net-zero" energy project, whereas there is enough solar power cells being installed to provide all energy to be obtained by average users as well as common areas at the 4-acre site east of Interstate 15 at Mira Mesa Boulevard. If residents do not exceed the average use projected, they are guaranteed a rebate check in the mail.
     Company President Mike Neal claims that they offer this special incentive to residents because "we want them to choose us," he says. He believes it's the energy-saving features that he hopes will make a difference. "With our apartment communities we've previously put photovoltaics on, we noticed our customers had a real interest in it," Neal said. "Some of them would say 'How could that benefit my unit?' We took it upon ourselves to take this project and try to answer that question by providing it and see how the customer likes it."
     "The target tenant group at Solterra draws from all over the county and from all demographic groups," he said, "and the rental rate of $1,495 to $2,225 is comparable to housing costs in Scripps Ranch."