Mobile demonstration showcases how to upgrade homes to be more efficient, safer and healthier with zero-emission appliances
Sunnyvale, CA — The Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) Dream Home, an electric appliance showroom, started to make its debut at community events in September. Hundreds of local residents toured the 18 x 8-foot tiny showcase on wheels. The Dream Home is equipped to give residents an opportunity to see and experience the all-electric equipment they can install in their own homes.
The San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland region is the fifth most polluted air basin in the country by year-round particle pollution, according to a report from the American Lung Association. About half of this air pollution is from gas-powered vehicles, but about half of the other major source comes from combusting fossil fuels in homes and buildings. Upgrading to efficient, electric equipment reduces air pollution for the community, and reduces risks associated with poor indoor air quality.
SVCE partnered with a local nonprofit, the San Jose Conservation Corps (SJCC), to design and construct the Dream Home. SJCC’s mission is to create opportunities for the young local workforce and provide professional development opportunities. Over the course of six months, the SJCC crew made up of four young professionals, learned valuable trade skills, gained construction experience, and familiarized themselves with the benefits of using clean energy to electrify spaces.
With the Dream Home, visitors can learn more about energy-efficient and zero-emission appliances. The home is equipped with a heat pump mini split heating and cooling system, 120V heat pump water heater, induction cooktop, smart thermostat, electric fireplace, and other efficiency features. The Dream Home is powered by the SVCE Ford F-150 Lightning, and it showcases bidirectional EV charging equipment with the Sunrun Home Integration System. SVCE will be displaying the home at local events throughout Santa Clara County.
“Swapping out gas-powered appliances at home can be an overwhelming task,” said Tina Walia, SVCE Board Chair and City of Saratoga Councilmember. “SVCE has generous rebates available and the Dream Home is an opportunity for people to see and interact with the all-electric equipment before installing it in their homes. I am confident that residents will experience the superior performance that electric equipment provides and take action to improve their indoor air quality while reducing overall emissions.”
Come meet the Dream Home at an upcoming community event and learn more about available services and resources to help you make your home healthier and safer.
- Clean Air Celebration, Morgan Hill Magical Bridge Playground – October 5
- SVCE Frunk-or-Treat, Milpitas – October 27
- La Ofrenda Festival, Gilroy – November 2
- Santa Clara County Induction Event, San Martin – November 12
SVCE member agencies can request the Dream Home at a local event by filling out the Demo Home Reservation Request Form.
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About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, community-owned agency providing electricity from renewable and clean sources to more than 275,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is advancing innovative solutions to fight climate change by decarbonizing the grid, transportation, and buildings. Learn more at SVCleanEnergy.org.
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