What is a Net Zero House
Written By: Jake Evans
Net zero homes generate all their own energy. Net zero houses in cold areas usually borrow energy from the grid in winter & send energy to the grid in summer.
1. Net zero houses must create energy.
A net zero house makes all the energy it needs, so there must be a way to make renewable energy on-site. Usually the energy is created from rooftop solar panels, but there may be locations where wind power is possible.
2. Net zero houses are connected to the grid.
Net zero houses create more energy than needed during the summer, and this energy is sent to the grid for immediate use. A net metering agreement with the grid allows summertime energy over-production to be banked and drawn back in the winter. If the summertime production equals the wintertime draw, then the house is net zero.
3. Net zero houses are designed to need little energy.
Net zero houses use superior insulation, low energy appliances and careful design to ensure little energy is needed to run the house. A net zero house with low energy needs will be able to fit all the required solar panels on the roof.
Who should live in a net zero house?
There is a compelling argument for retired folks with fixed incomes to choose to live in a net zero house because there are no energy bills for heating, cooling, and electricity use. If a net zero home has extra rooftop solar panels then an electric car can be powered and the household is also free from the costs & uncertainty of gasoline bills.
Companies like TC Legend Homes build net zero homes for the same price as a conventional house.
To deliver a net zero home to the market for the same price as a conventional home, a builder must direct the design process; simplifying the design for efficient construction and then allocating savings to superior insulation and solar panels.
The main challenge for net zero construction is finding land that faces south so the roof can collect solar power from a clear sky. Great opportunities exist for net zero housing when multi house developments are planned & the lots can all be oriented towards the noon sun.
Net zero housing combines superior insulation & solar panels to deliver homes that have no energy bills, ever. In a world concerned with climate change, there is good reason to consider net zero homes for all residential construction.
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If you’re interested in learning more about our net zero energy homes or want to get started designing your very own net zero energy home, contact us today! We also offer pre-made net zero energy home plans!
