Torus and First Colony Mortgage are developing Utah’s largest residential clean energy community, combining solar, battery storage, and streamlined financing to offer homeowners energy independence and long-term value.
South Salt Lake, Utah - April 3, 2025
Torus, a leader in smart energy storage solutions, and First Colony Mortgage (FCM), one of the fastest-growing mortgage banks in the nation, today announced plans to develop Utah's largest residential clean energy community, featuring advanced solar and battery storage systems across 650 new homes. This innovative partnership combines cutting-edge energy technology with streamlined mortgage financing to make sustainable living more accessible to homebuyers.
The Torus Neighborhood program introduces a hybrid energy model that combines individual home battery systems with community-scale infrastructure. Each home will be equipped with a Torus battery and solar system, while also benefiting from a centralized solar array and utility-scale storage facility. This approach, available exclusively through approved residential developments, offers significantly lower costs than traditional solar installations while enhancing grid stability and energy independence.
In collaboration with Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart Battery program, these communities will serve as a model for grid modernization in Utah. The initiative shows how utilities, technology providers, and financial institutions can work together to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions while maintaining grid reliability.
"This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our mission to transform how communities generate, store, and share energy," said Nate Walkingshaw, Torus CEO and co-founder. "By combining our innovative energy technology with First Colony's extensive builder relationships and mortgage expertise, we're creating new opportunities for homeowners to own their power while contributing to a more resilient energy grid."
"For nearly 40 years, First Colony Mortgage has been committed to making homeownership accessible to more Americans," said Corey Shelley, Owner and Chairman of First Colony Mortgage. "This partnership with Torus represents the next evolution of that commitment. By working closely with our network of builders, we're not just financing homes – we're helping create sustainable communities that offer homeowners true energy independence and long-term value."
The partnership offers significant financial advantages for homebuyers through streamlined financing options that integrate energy infrastructure costs into traditional mortgages. Participants benefit from reduced installation and maintenance costs due to economies of scale, while also qualifying for local and federal clean energy incentives, including Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart Battery program.
"Our collaboration with Torus represents a unique convergence of award-winning technology and mortgage banking expertise," said Carine Clark, CEO of First Colony Mortgage. "Through our long-standing builder partnerships, we're making it easier for homeowners to move into homes that are ready for the future of energy. This initiative positions Utah as a leader in bringing innovative energy solutions to homeowners while working alongside traditional power providers to improve grid reliability and consumer choice."
The community-scale approach enables more efficient use of energy resources through shared infrastructure and coordinated demand response programs. This model provides homeowners with improved energy independence, reliable backup power, and additional value by participating in grid services. By supporting broader grid reliability initiatives, it contributes to the overall stability of the energy network.
For more information visit Torus.co and firstcolonymortgage.com.