The Smart Home Trend Extends to Condominiums

The condominium currently under construction will incorporate a 170kW solar power generation system (95kW for private units, 75kW for common areas), making it one of the largest for a condominium in Japan. An individual supply system for solar power, providing 2.5kW per unit (totaling 95kW), will be installed in 38 units, approximately 10% of the total 351 units.
The system for common areas will generate 75kW. During normal operation, this power will be used for lighting and other common area needs. In the event of a disaster, it can supply power to emergency outlets in the common areas, serving as an emergency power source.
Surplus electricity from both private and common areas can be sold back to the grid. This allows for significant reductions in annual electricity costs and CO2 emissions compared to condominiums meeting new energy-saving standards. For units with the individual solar power supply system, savings can reach up to approximately 65%, while other units can expect reductions of around 30%.

Furthermore, the 38 units equipped with the individual solar power supply system will also feature Panasonic Electric Works' "ECO-Mane System," an energy visualization system.
This system allows residents to monitor electricity usage for the entire home and individual branch circuits, as well as the power generated by the solar system. It displays the balance of total electricity consumption and generated power, the CO2 emissions and reductions, and an estimated electricity bill.
By collecting energy usage data within the household, the system visually illustrates "when, where, and how much" electricity is consumed in each room and at different times. It provides easy-to-understand animated and graphical displays to guide residents toward energy-saving lifestyles.
According to research by the Energy Conservation Center, Japan, this can lead to an annual reduction in electricity consumption of up to approximately 11%.

Additionally, energy-saving features such as EcoCute water heaters, LED lighting, and vacuum-insulated bathtubs are standard.Smart HomesAs smart homes become more prevalent, the concept of "smart condominiums" is also expected to expand significantly. Sales are scheduled to begin sequentially from March 2012.
Daiwa House Industry, Head Office, Condominium Business Division
Tel. 06-6342-0991