Meritage Homes and SunPower are now offering high efficiency solar power systems combined with energy storage technology at the 42-home Pinnacles at Stonebrae community in Hayward, Calif.

"High efficiency SunPower solar power systems are reliable, attractive and help families save on electricity costs. With energy storage, homeowners can store the power their solar systems produce, enabling them to keep the lights on and serve other critical loads in a power outage," said C.R Herro of Meritage Homes. "This program with SunPower extends the value Meritage Homes offers homeowners as part of our long-standing commitment to building quality homes that set the standard for energy efficient homes."

SunPower® solar power systems are available as an option today at Meritage Homes communities across the U.S. The systems use high efficiency SunPower solar panels, which produce 70 percent more energy in the first 25 years than conventional solar technology, according to tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. At the Pinnacles at Stonebrae community, SunPower is also offering advanced energy storage solutions from San Francisco-based Sunverge Energy.

"Meritage Homes has a visionary approach to offering smart, proven technologies that enhance their customers' lives and the communities in which they live," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. "SunPower solar power systems combined with energy storage technology help homeowners take control of their energy costs, while providing the additional peace of mind provided by back-up power when they need it."