The Net-Zero Zone
Dig in to the science behind how we make homes more energy independent.
Department of Energy Case Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is net-zero home?
A net-zero-energy home produces at least as much renewable energy as it uses. In most cases, rooftop solar panels are used. Net-zero homes are connected to the municipal electrical grid, drawing power at night or on very cloudy days and adding power to the grid when the sun is shining. The net effect is to add more enegy to the grid than is drawn from it over the course of a year.
Where do you build?
We service Whatcom and Skagit Counties within a 30-min radius of Bellingham. We are open to projects outside this radius on a case-by-case basis.
Can you build on steep or challenging lots?
Yes, we have a lot of experience and expertise building on both steep and difficult lots, whether that is due to the ecology of the lot, topography, or even strict CC&R’s. We also have a unique approach that does not require retaining walls on steep lots.
Can you prepare my lot to build?
Yes, we are well versed in site preparation, from demolition and leveling to utility
installation and permitting. We are very good at site planning in collaboration with
septic, wetlands, wells, codes, fire departments, etc.
If I am interested in building with you, what are the first steps?
If you do not own land yet but want to build with us, the first step would be to find a lot with southern exposure. We are happy to suggest lots and look at lot feasibility for you, so reaching out is always a great first step!
If you already own land and want to build with us, you can either select a pre-designed plan set from our sister company Powerhouse Design, or work with us to design a custom home. We can also work with you to prepare your lot for building, which involves determining whether your lot needs any special surveys, utility work, demolition, etc. We are here to help you on your building project every step of the way!
How much will I save on my energy bills?
You will save all your heating and cooling costs. You will also save all your electricity costs. The only charge that might remain on your bill is a monthly service fee that your utility may charge.
What is net metering, and is it available in my area?
Net metering is an essential part of a net zero-house. Net metering is the name for the process by which the electrical company accepts your electricity production from your
rooftop solar panels in the summer and distributes that electricity onto the grid, effectively giving you credit with that utility company. Net metering allows you to draw on
that credit in the winter when your rooftop solar panels don’t generate enough energy to power your house.
To be net zero, the summertime electrical overproduction is equal to the wintertime electrical need. Call your electricity provider and ask them if they will net-meter your rooftop solar panel installation.
Does my roof have to face south for my home to be net zero?
No, it’s possible to point the roof away from southern exposure and still be net zero with additional solar panels. But south facing roofs are ideal.
Is the plumbing and electrical in the SIP walls & roof?
There is no plumbing in the SIP walls and roof. It’s all designed to be located in the internal walls. Electrical wires can be pulled though the factory pre-bored tunnels in the SIPs.
Is net zero possible in my cold/hot/cloudy location?
Yes, we build net zero houses in the Pacific Northwest, which is cloudy and yields 3.5 hours of sunshine per day on average. With this level of cloudiness, we specify between
3.1 watts of solar per square foot (for a 2,500-square-foot house) to 4.8 watts per square foot (for a 1,000-square-foot house) to achieve net zero.
Does a net zero house have batteries?
Not necessarily. A net zero house does not need batteries because the house is tied to the electrical grid. Since net zero houses are often all electric, a battery is a good idea if your area has power outages. You can also keep a generator for these eventualities or some cars can function as emergency backup batteries as well.
Does a net zero home cost more to build?
The answer isn’t entirely straight-forward. A net zero house can have higher upfront costs than a traditionally built home, mainly due to solar panels and other energy
efficient features. However, over the long-term, it can be less expensive to own and run thanks to the reduced, or even eliminated, monthly energy bills. Our net zero homes are built with higher quality building envelopes and finishes, which can lead to lower maintenance needs and cost over time.
Why isn’t every home net zero?
A net zero house is very well insulated and highly energy efficient to ensure that only a small amount of energy is needed to run the home and heat or cool it. Not many houses are well enough insulated and have energy efficient finishes to be cost effectively net zero, although you can always add more solar panels. Importantly, a net zero house must have the means to produce energy, which is often solar panels. This requires enough roof space and sun exposure to locate solar panels.
What materials do you use in your net zero houses?
First we do energy modeling as we design to ensure our homes achieve zero-net-energy or better.
The walls and roof are SIPs (structural insulated panels), stem walls are ICFs (insulated concrete forms), and we specify a concrete slab-on-grade atop 4” of foam. The windows are triple-pane, argon filled, low-e coated and all exterior doors are well insulated. To heat and cool the house, an air-to-water heat pump or mini-split are used. To ensure great indoor air quality, we install an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) with HEPA filtration.
What are SIPs?
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are wall, roof (and sometimes floor) panels. Fabricated from a slab of foam sandwiched between two pieces of oriented strand board (OSB). They are an alternative method to framing the envelope of a house.
What are ICFs?
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are foam blocks used as a permanent form for concrete, in our case for the foundation walls. Using ICFs adds insulation to prevent heat loss, strengthening the house’s thermal envelope.
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Net-Zero Energy Building Excellence
10+ years of award winning homes
2024 U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Grand Winner, Decarbon Category
Award for the builder whose innovative approach to decarbonization in Zero Energy ReadyHomes produces the most replicability and predictability in results.
2023 U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Grand Winner, >2,500 SF Custom Category
2022 U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Grand Winner, >2,500 SF Custom Category
2021 U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Grand Winner, >2,500 SF Custom Category
2020
U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Winner, <3,000 SF Custom Category
SIPA Building Excellence Awards, Category and Overall High Performance Winner
SIPA Building Excellence Awards, High Performance Honorable Mention
2019
U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Winner, Custom Category
Built Green Hammer Award, “Builder, Small Custom, less than 10 homes”
2018
Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) “Cross Border Challenge” award for Net Zero American Home Builder
U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Winner, Custom Category
Built Green Hammer Award, “Project of the Year”
SIPA Building Excellence Awards, First Place Winner, High Performance Category
2015
U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Winner, Custom Category
Green Builder Magazine Home of the Year Award, Alternative Building Category
Structural Insulated Panel Association Building Excellence Awards Overall Competition Winner
2014 U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Grand Winner, Affordable Builder Category
2013 U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Awards Winner, Affordable Builder Category