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
The U.S. Department of Energy has partnered with building professionals and organizations to further develop the Zero Energy Homes concept.