May 23, 2018

The Zero Net Energy Primer: A Guide to the Future of Home Design

Designers and builders may need to make adjustments in their homes when California implements its upcoming zero energy building code for homes. Those adjustments are spelled out and illustrated in this new booklet. It’s a great guide for zero energy home design no matter where you live.

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April 25, 2018

ZeroHouse: An Affordable, Net Zero Housing Solution for Greater Toronto

Like many cities, Toronto and its surrounding area have a “missing middle” in available housing. A local group designed and built a prototype that would fill the gap with affordable, net zero energy units.

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March 27, 2018

Using Energy Modeling to Get to Zero

Designing affordable zero energy homes involves balancing numerous individual energy saving features to reach a cost-effective compromise that also meets functional needs and aesthetic standards. The predictions of two modeling programs – REM/Rate and BuildEquinox Zero – are compared to the actual energy use of a zero energy home.

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March 19, 2018

Innovations in a 107-Year-Old Net Positive Victorian Retrofit

What happens when you decide to buy a 1907 Victorian home in chilly Minneapolis, and then decide to turn it into a zero energy showcase? Find out from the man behind the project.

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August 24, 2017

Community Solar Brings Shaded Rooftops Into the Sun

If your home or housing situation isn’t right for rooftop solar panels, don’t give up. By joining other solar enthusiasts, you can receive the benefits of solar energy no matter how shaded your home is.

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September 21, 2016

The Debate Around Net Metering Rages On

Uncertainty around net metering is hampering the growth of solar electric installations in certain parts of the country. Net metering is an arrangement that permits owners of solar electric systems to bank their excess power with the local utility company. Consumers redeem these energy credits when they use more power than they produce. Net metering […]

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