The Zero Energy Home (ZEH) concept as developed by the Department of Energy (DOE) consists of two major parts. The first is to reduce the home's need for heating and cooling, hot water, and electrical appliance costs through energy efficient measures. These measures can be achieved through tightly sealing the outer wall envelope of the home, preventing any leakage in the air duct system, installing high energy efficient HVAC units, utilizing Energy Star® rated appliances and using a high efficiency lighting system supplemented with Daylighting techniques. Any product or system that contributes to energy savings will fulfill this criteria.
The second concept is to use renewable energy systems to produce at least the same amount of energy as provided by the local utility throughout the year. Solar, Wind and Geothermal producing electric systems such as photovoltaic panels, wind generators and geothermal converters can accomplish this qualification. A successful cost effective ZEH home is still connected to the electrical grid returning at least as much electricity during daylight hours as it uses during the nighttime.
Tucson's Armory Park del Sol community, built by John Wesley Miller Companies was the first planned community in Arizona containing a Net Zero Energy Home (NZEH). Not all homes in the community are NZEH but they all have the Tucson Electric Power energy efficient rated home guarantee. All of the homes have Solar Electricity Panels and Solar Hot Water systems that allow the homes to use 50% less energy that the standard built home. The standard feature of these energy efficient homes can be seen here.
If you would like more information on Tucson or the Armory Park del Sol community, please visit my website Tucson EcoBroker or use the information below.
Brian Sharpe
520-275-2030
EcoBroker@SonoranDesertProperty.com
http://tucsonecobroker.net/
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