What is a Net Zero Energy Home? Basically, it is a home that produces as much energy as it consumes over a years time. Many times these homes produce more energy than they consume and then at the end of the year their utility owes them money!

After learning about the advantages of a having a Net Zero Energy Home, most people think the concept is a good idea. The next question is, "How do I get there?" The answer depends on a number of factors. There are many steps on the path to a Net Zero Energy Home. Generally, we recommend your home become as efficient as possible, then add sources of renewable energy. The following steps list some ideas to help you get started.

Step 1: Reduce Loads

Is your home energy efficient? Small steps count! Almost everyone has room for improvement and this is a good place to start when you want to move towards a goal of net zero energy. Most houses waste a great deal of energy. Reducing your electrical loads by 10-30% is a very reasonable target. Ten percent reductions can generally be achieved by spending about $100 to test your appliances (see meters) and changing a few habits. To reduce your electrical load further, it is generally necessary to spend a bit more and replace your older inefficient appliances, replace or add insulation, increase attic ventilation, etc. A home evaluation is a good way to find out what needs to be done.

Step 2: Add Solar Thermal

A solar thermal system collects heat from the sun. Although less well known, solar thermal systems are about four times more efficient than using the sun to generate electricity with photovoltaic panels. In other words, every dollar spent on solar thermal offsets your utility bill by four times as spending that same dollar on photovoltaics. You can use the sun's heat for heating water, space heating (such as a radiant floor system), or to heat a pool. In most homes, about 20% of the energy consumption is devoted to heating water. Understanding Solar Thermal. See Case Study. Systems for Sale.

Step 3: Add Solar Photovoltaics (PV)

A solar PV system collects energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. Most PV systems today are tied to the utility grid, which means your home or business will get it's electricity from both the sun and the grid. In many areas, there are incentives to have a grid-tied solar system. See Generation Partners. Understanding PV Estimate cost of PV. See Case Study. Systems for Sale.

Step 4: Add other renewable energy systems

You can move toward Net Zero Energy by adding other renewable sources of energy. For example, if you have a stream near your house, then micro hydro may be an option. If you have a good wind resource (you generally need minimum of 9 mph on a consistent basis), then a wind generator may work for you. Wood stoves have also been a source of renewable heat for hundreds of years.

Step 5: Monitor and talk with others

Monitoring your energy use and understanding how you spend your energy dollars is valuable information. Talk to others who are trying to reduce their energy use; this is often a terrific source of ideas that work locally. Using this information will help you make progress towards a Net Zero Energy Home.