Gentry Homes is adding a new option to the homes it is building on the hot 'Ewa Plain: a solar system that generates electricity for the homeowner.

The company yesterday announced that it will build homes with a photovoltaic system for buyers who want to reduce their electricity bill.

Gentry estimates that the 1-kilowatt systems should provide roughly one-third of a home's electricity consumed by a family of four.

Gentry's photovoltaic system costs about $15,000 and qualifies buyers for a 30 percent federal tax credit and 35 percent state tax credit.

The system uses roof-mounted solar panels to harness the sun's energy, which is converted into usable power with other equipment. Gentry said homeowners can add more panels if the size and layout of the home permits, allowing greater electricity generation.

"Ultimately, the homeowner creates a mini-power substation in their home," said McKibbin Mist, purchasing and contracts manager for Gentry's construction affiliate Gentry Construction LLC. "By adding a (photovoltaic) system to their mortgage today, the homeowner can lock their electrical rate for all the electricity their system produces."

Gentry said if electricity rates rise, savings increase for users of the system while helping reduce oil-based electricity usage.

"The use of solar electricity is a significant step toward energy independence, and also a huge step in preserving our environment," Mist said. "Gentry Homes makes it easy and affordable for any new homeowner to take that step."

It isn't the first time Hawai'i homebuilders have offered photovoltaic systems on new homes, but Gentry claims to be the biggest housing developer in Hawai'i to offer such systems as part of a major subdivision.

Gentry is offering the photovoltaic system on 285 of the company's Latitudes models at Ewa by Gentry. The Latitudes homes also come with a standard solar water heating system and other energy efficient features such as dual glazed windows and foam insulation.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.