Zero-Energy Homes

Post-Oil Energy Technology After the Age of Fossil Fuels 

In June 2007, for the 1,289 kWh of electricity used in our home in Connecticut, we paid 245.50, which corresponds to a rate of 18.9 /kWh. The electricity in Connecticut comes from a mix of nuclear and fossil-fueled power plants. This 18.9(2/kWh rate covered only the bill from the power company. It did not include the cost of protecting the energy supplies of the United States (including military expenses) and did not cover the price we all pay for global warming. 

In comparison to the cost of fossil-nuclear energy, solar power plants generate electricity at 12-20 /kWh. When using solar energy, the fuel is free and inexhaustible. Another potential of solar energy is economical if it was decided to cover 10 million American homes with solar roofs, this decision alone would trigger the biggest economic expansion of the decade (if not the century ). 

Larger installations could also use solar laminates and solar shingles. Such projects already exist. For example, GM has a 1 mW solar installation in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Many other such systems have been installed, and new designs, such as the ultrathin (Nanosolar) shingles, are under development, and promise drastic reductions in costs. 

One major problem with the global electricity system is the lack of continentwide electric grids that could serve to both distribute and store electricity. This net metering capability (Section 1.4.3.1) is essential to make the energy of intermittent energy sources (solar, wind, tide, etc.) continuously available. 

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The U.S. government and all 50 states offer tax incentives in varying amounts to builders using solar technology. A handful of zero-energy homes that produce as much electricity as they use are being... 

When specifying the size of the solar collectors for a zero-energy home, it is advisable to double the maximum expected requirement so that sufficient excess electricity will be generated in the summer to "zero out" the electricity bill for the entire year. 

Energy Efficient Building Technologies Affordable Zero Enei Homes http //www.eebt.org... 

Grid connected "zero out" solar homes can be energy free even in regions of lower insolation if sufficient collector areas are provided. They can generate electricity only (shown) or a combination of electricity and hot water. 

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