Zero energy home design
A Zero Energy Home (ZEH) combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The combination results in a home that produces its own energy—as much or more than it needs. Even though the home might be connected to a utility grid, it has net zero energy consumption from the utility provider.

Zero Energy Homes optimize and include the following design features:

• Climate-specific design
• Passive solar heating and cooling
• Energy-efficient construction
• Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
• Solar water heating system
• Small solar electric system.

These homes have a number of advantages:

• Improved comfort—an energy-efficient building envelope reduces temperature fluctuations
• Reliability—a Zero Energy Home can be designed to continue functioning even during blackouts
• Energy security—a home that produces energy protects its owner from fluctuations in energy prices
• Environmental sustainability—a Zero Energy Home saves energy and reduces pollution