ZEH Overview
Imagine a home that is not only energy efficient, but also produces its own power. Just like a typical home, a Zero Energy Home (ZEH) is connected to, and uses energy from, the local electric utility. But unlike typical homes, at times the ZEH makes enough power to send some back to the utility company. Annually, a ZEH produces enough energy to offset the amount purchased from the utility provider, resulting in net-zero annual energy bills.
A ZEH combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction techniques and equipment with renewable energy systems to return as much energy as it takes on an annual basis. When renewable resources cannot provide the entire home’s power (at night or on a cloudy winter day) the homeowner purchases energy from the utility provider. When renewable resources produce more than the house is using (during sunny days when no one is home) power is sent back into the utility grid. In some cases, the utility provider will operate the home’s electric meter in reverse, essentially providing the homeowner with full retail value for their energy.
Why Build a Zero Energy Home?
One of the major issues we are faced with today is global warming, which is negatively affecting the environment and weather patterns worldwide. Global warming is a direct result of harmful gas which is being emitted into the earth’s atmosphere. Zero Energy Homes do not consume energy, and therefore do not produce pollution or emissions which help to reduce global warming.
Is Zero Energy Home Realistic?
Once just a concept, Zero Energy Homes are now a reality throughout all the world. The opportunities to construct ZEHs are growing as solar and other renewable energy technologies become more affordable. Never having to pay energy bills is a very attractive concept, however, only if achieving this high level of performance does not greatly increase building costs.
Design and Build Your Zero Energy Solar Home!
By following the two simple steps below, a ZEH can be built without adding considerable costs.
- Design the house to minimize energy consumption. By combining the several modern techniques highlighted below energy consumption can be reduced by approximately 70-80%.
- Use a renewable source of energy to supply the remaining 20-30% of energy which regularly built home would consume. Either solar panels or wind mills can be used for that.
Please, share your ideas about your green harmony home!
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