The Houston Habitat for Humanity is going green with the help from Alternative Power Solutions Corp., dba APS Solar. Now partners, these two organizations are working towards building 20 residences with solar electric systems to bring Milby Park subdivision in Northeast Houston closer to net zero energy consumption.

These systems have 10 solar panels that are 200 to 240 watts each. The system converts sunlight into pollution-free electricity and can reduce up to 30 percent of electric consumption in each home.

Besides solar power, these homes will have solar heating.  According to a press release, this solar thermal system helps reduce 30 percent of electrical consumption by heating water through a 32 square feet collector.

It costs about $11,000 to build the solar panels and $5,000 for the solar water heating but homeowner will receive a “green” tax credit. When all homes are completed, this Habitat neighborhood will offset 1,797,620 pounds of carbon dioxide emission over 30 years.

“Not only are the families benefiting from the usage of the solar panels and the solar water heating, they’re also having an opportunity to be a contributor to social responsibility,” said Stephen Sye with Houston Habitat for Humanity.

APS Solar has already installed systems such as this in many projects around the area including the Dallas Children’s Theater, Texas State Aquarium, Fort Worth Zoo and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.