AFFORDABLE ZERO-NET-ENERGY HOME
Three Times Zero05
This trio of outstanding net-zero case studies demonstrates different ways to balance energy conservation with on-site power production.
BY LINDA L. LEAKE
They come in many vernacular shapes and sizes: net-zero-energy (NZE) homes that combine energy-efficient construction with renewable energy systems. The goal: to reach an energy balance and, in some cases, begin to give something back. And as these case studies show, building to NZE has little to do with geography or vernacular styles. Instead, hyper vigilance and right-sizing make the difference. There’s no room for unexpected air infiltration, unwanted heat gain, or shoddy workmanship in these homes. Renewable energy systems, to remain affordable and effective, depend on super-efficient construction.
Natural day lighting and bright paint colors save on lighting costs in the home’s modern, open floorplan.
The PV-powered 2,390-sq. ft. St. Croix sold for about $420,000. Since completion in August 2010, the home has banked hundreds of kilowatt hours with the local utility company.
FLORIDA FIRST
Distinct as the first photovoltaic (PV)-powered production home in coastal Brevard County, Florida, the St. Croix sets the pace for Life-Style Homes’ leadership in developing net-zero housing. Completed in August 2010, this four-bedroom, three-bath revised model is the company’s first net-zero-energy residence.
An 8.0 kW PV system consisting of 160 flush-mounted, integrated 50-watt panels provides a torrent of solar power. The system is divided into two sections. The first 60 panels are pitched at 202 degrees and feed a 2,500-watt PV power inverter, while another 100 panels are pitched at 112 degrees with a 4,800-watt PV power inverter. A solar hot water system with a PV-powered circulating pump provides an 80-gallon hot water supply.
07.2011
27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76