[Greenbuilding] Zero Energy Homes

[Donald Eyermann]

I like that "Net Zero Energy" term. Could we take that a step further and
have a Negative Zero Energy Life Style? That's where we live in such a way
that we produce excess enery so our total energy usage is less than
zero...including transportation. Like our home always puts some excess
energy we are "generating" back into the grid. Plus we use solar power for
mobility. That's a good Goal. Right this minute my associates and I are
trying to reach people and inform them that we are engaged with a developer
to produce a sub-division of; by your term "net zero energy homes." There
are one-of-a-kind net zero energy use homes around. They are a very small
percentage of the homes in existence and there are no entire subdivision of
these kinds of homes that I know of. Do you? I don't even know of any "net
zero energy home" in the greater Phoenix metro area, do you? I mean for
real; having virtually no electric bill any month of the year, and really
reduced water usage through "smart systems"; like using the shower drain
water to flush the toilets and circulated solar hot water heat with storage
tanks (not heaters) at every use point (kitchen-baths-laundry) so you don't
waste water while waiting for the hot water (a reasonable consideration in
the arid zone of arizona) Who has such a wide spectrum home?

Our intention is to take that a step further and install a significant solar
array. Sure it costs more, but so do toys like quads, skidoos, sports cars,
yachts, etc. that don't help us live in harmony with the planet. So, my job
is to produce a viable affordable home that has net zero energy use, with
solar pv panels and to provide (through affiliate experts) a "cool"
"stylish" "quick" (who wants a snail?)"comfortable" "convenient" "less parts
and less maintenance" electric car that can be plugged-in so you leave the
house every day with a full tank of "fuel" for free. Solar power. We live in
orbit around a huge star. It makes sense to me to use it as the primary
power source. The cost of solar is decreasing. That new nanosolar panel
"printing" technology is forecast to bring the cost of solar down to $0.30
per watt. Lithium batteries and other technologies are improving and coming
down in price. There are already electric cars on the market getting over
200 miles per gallon. The Canadian made ZENN (Zero Emissions No Noise) is
one of the least expensive cars you can buy and it goes far enough for the
average mileage people drive according to the National Transportation's
metrics. They were not trying to sell the idea of electric cars when they
compiled that statistic. So I fully believe we have the technologies right
now for a "Zero Energy Life Style" (net zero energy life style if you
prefer)and we are offerring the first home "package" ever, so far as I know
(please challenge me) in a subdivision in America. 

And here's the funny part.

We're seeking financing. I don't qualify for the construction loan because
the bank will only count my pension (I'm early retired from my first life)
and will not count our 2008/09 client contracts. We are selling our existing
home, we have significant equity, and it is 2800 sq.ft. but uses only as
much energy as about an 1800 sq. ft. home. We built an energy efficient
addition, and we have the power company two year report "before and after"
electricity usage. We'll buy the ground with the equity, then build month by
month if we have to. One way or another, we're going to get this Zero Energy
Life Style subdivision display home up. We're unstoppable. 

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of George J.
Nesbitt
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 6:52 PM
To: greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Zero Energy Homes

I don't like the term Zero Energy Home.
It is impossible to ever build one.

It would have to have no electrical, gas, or any other appliance that uses
energy.
And it would have to have no occupants.

All homes and almost all buildings use energy.
An outhouse could produce it.

While it is possible to build a Low Energy Home.
Or a Net Zero Energy Home (one that produces as much energy as it uses).