Distributing Alternatively Generated Power to a Real Estate Development

Abstract

A system for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate development having at least two individual properties includes at least one alternative energy power generator. A distribution station is coupled to the at least one alternative energy power generator. A plurality of real estate properties are coupled to the distribution station. A written instrument associates ownership rights in a portion of the power received from the alternative energy power generator with ownership of at least one of the plurality of real estate properties. A method includes providing a plurality of real estate properties and an alternative energy power generator that forms a cooperative power farm coupled to a distribution station. A credit of power provided from the cooperative power farm to the distribution station is metered. Rights to a portion of the metered credit are included with ownership of at least one of the plurality of real estate properties.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 079,978, filed on Jul. 11, 2008, entitled “Distributing Alternatively Generated Power to a Real Estate Development,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to the area of alternative energy distribution, ownership, billing, or the like, and more specifically, to distributing alternatively generated power to one or more real estate development projects or areas.[0003]Currently, energy costs have been escalating. A residence that is at least partially self-sufficient is a benefit both economically and environmentally. Often, alternative energy installations include unsightly equipment, but to tie the source to the residence, the equipment must be incorporated into the residence or co-located on the residence lot or real estate parcel.[0004]Ad...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Currently, energy costs have been escalating.

Often, alternative energy installations include unsightly equipment, but to tie the source to the residence, the equipment must be incorporated into the residence or co-located on the residence lot or real estate parcel.

Additionally, when an alternative energy generator installation is located on a home, its efficiency may be reduced because of surrounding buildings, topography, or the direction in which the home faces.

If a single story home having solar panels installed is surrounded by two story homes or trees, shadowing may occur which would reduce efficiency, or the roof sides may not face the best direction to accumulate the solar energy.

Additionally, neighbors often complain or seek to block the installation of alternative energy generators for aesthetic reasons, noise generated by certain types of systems, or the fear that such systems pose a health or safety hazard in the event of malfunction.

Maintenance may prove to be problematic due to the fact that solar panels are typically installed on a roof, which is high off of the ground and may prove hazardous.

Installations of alternative energy generators are also typically financially separate from the structure in terms of mortgage, so that any expense would normally handled on less favorable terms than a mortgage loan.

The cost of energy for the average consumer is largely driven by carbon based fuels.

These same fuels are in decline and if they follow the law of supply and demand, will increase in price as they decline in abundance, increasing the cost of residing in a home.

Currently, the cost for energy is at an inflation adjusted high and is expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.

In concert with the sharp rise in the cost of electricity, the values of homes have fallen over the last few years.

As such, homeowners are very sensitive to the cost of energy associated with a home.

The hurdles of separate and complex installation and maintenance, separate expense from a mortgage payment, aesthetic limitations, and inefficiencies in layout mitigate against individual installation of alternative energy generators.

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