Folsom-based Elliot Homes opened its first all-solar neighborhood in East Roseville two months ago…and they’ve already sold out of the first phase of homes. What’s the attraction? 

"A lot of people have been asking about these solar electric systems that are on all the homes." 

Aaron Nitzkin is with OCR Solar and Roofing. They make the tile-roof solar panels on the homes. Nitzkin says more homebuilders are using solar features to stay competitive. 

"So if solar is a feature that homebuyers want, which is the indication we’re getting, that’s where a builder’s going to go." 

But the bottom line is price, according to Catherine Munsee. She’s an analyst with The Gregory Group which tracks new home sales. 

"Price is the sole consideration that we are seeing in terms of making their buying decision. Solar power is a nice amenity but it certainly isn’t the criteria by which a buyer is making his or her purchasing decision." 

The solar homes sold by Elliott in Roseville are priced in the low $500,000 range.