"The homes, constructed by regional homebuilder, Signature Homes, are equipped with cutting-edge systems and appliances that give customers more control over their home's features and energy use," said Richard Fletcher, director, Sales, Carrier Residential. "The innovative collaboration between Carrier, Signature Homes and Alabama Power signals what the standard for residential construction may look like in five to ten years."

The success of the project was a result of Carrier working closely with its distributor, Weathertech Distributing, as well as Parker Engineering to deliver a solution fit for Southern Company and Alabama Power.

"This neighborhood represents the future of residential home construction and how a smart home comfort system can integrate into a larger ecosystem of connected products to deliver more precise comfort and profound energy savings," said Casey Yates, director, Strategic Accounts, Carrier Residential. "We believe this neighborhood will be the first of many built across the U.S. using our Infinity heat pump systems to meet demands for smart neighborhoods that drive low energy dependency. We're proud to have played our part in this project and salute the entire team who made this neighborhood such a success."

The microgrid, located near the Smart Neighborhood is made up of solar panels, battery storage and a backup natural gas generator. It is the first in the Southeast to support an entire residential community. The neighborhood is linked to Alabama Power's electric grid. The neighborhood's intelligent technology also communicates with the homes' heating, air conditioning and water-heating systems to determine the best way to provide energy.

"Smart Neighborhood systems can analyse and predict the entire community's future energy needs and ensure customers are served in the most efficient ways possible," said John Hudson, senior vice president, Marketing and Business Development, Alabama Power.

Alabama Power gathers data from the homes and the microgrid to provide insight into how neighborhoods of the future could function. The information will help the company develop new programmes, services and advanced energy solutions to meet the evolving needs of Alabama Power customers.

"Reynolds Landing has been a success with outstanding market acceptance – we sold all of the 62 homes within six months of opening our model," said Dwight Sandlin, CEO, Signature Homes. "We feel Smart Neighborhood is a game changer and will have a strong impact on the housing market for years to come. We are changing the conversation from cost to value and innovation."