Clayton Homes unveils new homes that can generate their own electricity

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Clayton Homes unveiled its first homes that can generate their own electricity as part of the company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

The Maryville-based company presented its net-zero electricity CrossMod homes to the public at the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska.

The new homes will have energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lights, Energy Star appliances, and Lux windows with argon. The solar roofing system will feature solar shingles.

The CrossMod homes featured at the meeting will cost just under $230,000 to build before the land and solar panel costs are factored in, and the homes will produce enough energy to power themselves.

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The Pulse floorplan was showcased at the presentation, but all Clayton floorplans can be built with the net-zero CrossMod features. However, the solar shingles are not part of the package, and they will need to be purchased through CertainTeed, a building materials manufacturer.

From left, Clayton President and CEO Kevin Clayton, Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett and Clayton Home Building Group President Keith Holdbrooks pose for a photo during Buffett's visit to Clayton Homes' Appalachia facility Oct. 5.
From left, Clayton President and CEO Kevin Clayton, Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett and Clayton Home Building Group President Keith Holdbrooks pose for a photo during Buffett's visit to Clayton Homes' Appalachia facility Oct. 5.

“Clayton is committed to building sustainable and attainable homes," Kevin Clayton, CEO of Clayton Homes, said. "Whether it's building this net-zero home or through our volunteer program, Clayton Impact, our team members aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on our communities and the planet."

Clayton also showcased the low amount of waste that comes from building the homes. The waste collected from the off-site construction of the 1,700-square-foot home filled only one 64-gallon bin.

“While we are continuing to improve the energy efficiency of our homes, our sustainability efforts also include improving the energy and fuel efficiency of our operations," said Clayton director of of environment and sustainability William Jenkins.

Clayton Homes was founded in 1956 by Jim Clayton, and it is one of the largest employers in the Knoxville area.

The company was purchased by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway in 2003 for $1.7 billion.

This story was updated to clarify that the Net-Zero CrossMod home shown at the meeting cost $230,000. According to Clayton Homes, a typical CrossMod home costs $200,000.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Clayton Homes unveils new houses that can generate own electricity

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