America’s first solar-powered community has had a “stunning” impact on residents’ electricity bills — and is even being noted for surviving Hurricane Milton without any damage or losing power.
Just 15 miles from Fort Myers, this planned community in Punta Gorda, FL, dubbed the “Hometown of Tomorrow,” is powered by solar energy thanks to an 880-acre solar field at the Babcock Ranch Solar Energy Center.
Its central gathering place, Founders Square, also has solar trees where residents can charge their devices.
Each home at Babcock Ranch is built to minimum bronze standard FGBC certification, featuring numerous energy-saving components. Models range in price from $300,000 to $4 million.
Ultra-flexible structures feature high-performance windows and insulation; tight construction and ducts; efficient heating and cooling equipment; and energy-saving lighting and appliances.
All those amenities result in lower utility costs – and that’s attracting residents.
“It’s very important to know that you’re making a positive impact on the Earth,” says Jason Aperko, a 49-year-old executive who recently built a home in Babcock Ranch.
Apparco moved ahead with the plan and leased a space in the build-to-rent area of the community, called flatwoodsTo obtain land rights.
Resident Janet Dulaney says when she opened her first electric bill after moving to Babcock Ranch, it was “mind-blowing.”
“It was half the cost of our old house, yet we now have double the square footage,” he said. Babcock Ranch Telegraph,
Dulaney called it a big win, saying, “It’s also helping the environment.”
Homes are also climate-resilient
The energy-efficient homes at Babcock Ranch are also climate-resilient. The community has also gained notoriety as “Florida’s first hurricane-proof city.”
“We are on a mission to create the most innovative, resilient and climate-resilient city in America, and in just a few short years, we have done just that,” says former NFL player Sid Kitson, co-founder of Babcock Ranch. ,
Even though Florida is the hurricane capital of America, all of the homes and buildings at Babcock Ranch are built to withstand 150 mph winds. They are also located inland and 30 feet above sea level, which reduces the impact of storm surges.
About 90% of the community is built on protected wetlands, which naturally collect excess water and prevent flooding.
The community also has smart pond systemWhich are linked to live weather forecast data. That information is used to estimate water levels and, if necessary, automatically lower the water level before a storm hits.
When Hurricane Milton hit Florida last month, two buildings at Babcock Ranch collapsed designated as a shelter by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and 2,000 people sought shelter there.
Although the storm knocked out power for 3.3 million people in Florida, Babcock Ranch never did.
This is because power lines are buried underground to protect against wind damage – and the large solar farm on site provides reliable power even during grid outages.
Kitson says his Babcock Ranch teams work with (not against) nature and keep a constant eye on changing environmental demands.
Inspiration for Babcock Ranch
Sustainability, resilience and innovation have been Kitson’s passions since her college days at Wake Forest University.
After graduation, he was drafted by the NFL and went on to play for the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.
Shortly after hanging up his pads and helmet, he founded a real estate development company.
“In the early 2000s, we believed that clean energy and sustainable development could set the standard for the future of development around the world,” says Kitson.
In 2006, his team acted on that belief and purchased Babcock Ranch in southwest Florida – an area five times the size of Manhattan.
“Shortly thereafter, we sold 73,000 acres back to Florida to preserve for future generations,” says Kitson.
Then they set out to do what no one had done before: build a profitable community that works in harmony with nature.
For his ingenuity and his efforts, Kitson was named Time magazine’s “dreamer of the year“In 2023.
He admits that the path to get here has not always been easy. “For future ‘innovators,’ if you’re going to do something groundbreaking, be prepared for rejection.”
Kitson has overcome countless obstacles throughout his journey, but now hopes that “the growth and success of Babcock Ranch can inspire communities around the world to leave a positive or neutral impact on the planet.”
Aparco believes other communities across the country should follow suit.
“This city should be replicated everywhere,” he says.
A range of activities are offered at Babcock Ranch to help residents reduce their carbon footprint by driving less and staying local.
“I especially enjoy the Friday night live concerts and food trucks in Founders Square, the weekend pop-up farmers markets, as well as the various fitness and nutrition classes offered through Wellway Health and Fitness Center,” says Aparko. Like to participate.”
The neighborhood is walkable, and many children walk or ride their bikes to school.
“My kids spend most of their time playing outside with their friends,” one homeowner wrote. reddit“All the parents know to take care of each other and the children, so there is an eye on them all the time. My kids are 9 and 7 and they finally got life! “Honestly, I never want to move.”
There are five lakes in the neighborhood that offer canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Two lodges for residents – Lake Timber Lodge and Cypress Lodge – have swimming pools, game lawns and fishing piers.
In addition, Babcock Ranch offers “holiday programs, community groups, sports, hiking, biking, golf, pickleball, and the list goes on,” says Aparko. “The community is fantastic.”
