With the approaching completion of Solterra EcoLuxury Apartments in Scripps Ranch, San Diegans will have their first opportunity to live in a community where all of the electricity they need for daily living is generated by the sun.

The innovative new "smart" community, a development of H.G. Fenton Company, not only allows residents the benefit of "zero" electricity bills, but gives them added conveniences including garages that are pre-wired for electric vehicle charging and in-home Virtual Net Metering displays that let them easily monitor their kilowatt usage.

"We are very proud to offer San Diegans the first market rate, 100 percent photovoltaic apartment community that will provide solar generated electricity for all 114 units as well as common areas," said Mike Neal, H.G. Fenton Company's president and CEO.

"Solterra represents our continuing commitment to responsible development and to our customers' experience with us," he said. "Providing our residents with innovative, eco-friendly living environments that preserve valuable resources and help reduce, and in this case eliminate their utility bills, results in a win-win for our customers and the communities in which they reside."

Located at the intersection of Scripps Ranch Boulevard and Erma Road, Solterra has been created in the H.G. Fenton Company tradition of providing quality places for people to live and work. With the completion of its first units in May (2013), Solterra introduces a new generation of smart technology features that integrate seamlessly with the project's edgy, amenity-driven design.

Solterra surpasses California's 2013 building energy efficiency standards (Title 24) by 19 percent. Interior energy-saving features include Smart Thermostats that can be programmed from anywhere or anytime by computer or smart device; GE Energy Star Stainless Steel Appliances; GE Energy Efficient front-loading washers and dryers; and in-home Virtual Net Metering displays that show residents their kilowatt usage. Each garage has been pre-wired for electric vehicle charging. Community common areas are also fully solar-powered and utilize drought tolerant landscaping and drip water smart irrigation.

"Through its thoughtful development of Solterra, H.G. Fenton Company's leadership in sustainable living demonstrates a clear commitment to the region's green build, energy efficiency and renewable energy goals," said Holly Smithson, president and chief operating officer of CleanTECH San Diego. "Sustainable communities like Solterra, made possible by HG Fenton's bold vision, are advancing San Diego as a smarter and more sustainable city."

"Our customers tell us that living in a community that offers the lifestyle features and ambience they enjoy along with practices that preserve resources and help them save money is important to them," said Carroll Whaler, H.G. Fenton Company's executive vice president of residential asset management. "Solterra has been designed with these needs and wants in mind."

The focal point of Solterra is a 3,200-square-foot Club Room that will provide an inviting, trendy place for residents to socialize, work-out or entertain. The heart of the clubhouse is an expansive restaurant-style bar and professional culinary kitchen that can be used for gatherings and events. There also is a Sports Club with cardio stations, personal television screen monitors, iPod docks and free weights; a gaming center with Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstations, and billiards; a 24/7 Cyber cafe and lounge equipped with wireless printing, faxing and scanning capabilities; and a private stand-up tanning salon.

The Club Room overlooks Solterra's luxury resort-style pool area that features a refreshing salt-water pool and spa, spacious sundeck, private outdoor cabanas offering towel service and built-in HDTVs, and a BBQ and fire pit lounge area.

A landscaped pedestrian Paseo spans the entire community, culminating on the south side at a spectacular 4,000-square-foot observation deck with panoramic city and countryside views, conversation seating areas, a BBQ and free Wifi.

Solterra features a mix of luxuriously appointed one- and two-bedroom floor plans offering 741 to 1,127 square feet. Residents will enjoy modern upscale finishes, thoughtfully planned layouts for easy living and entertaining, flat screen TV hookups, and adjoining decks or patios.