Zero Energy Design Services
What is Net Zero Energy?
The goal of Net Zero Energy design is to reduce the required energy needs of a building to a level that can be generated on-site, typically through the use of solar PV and other alternative energy technologies.
Zero Energy Associates has the experience to successfully design, install or retrofit your Zero-Energy project. It is easier to achieve Net Zero Energy if ZEA gets involved with the project early in the initial design stage. Our experience with energy conservation, energy auditing, high-efficiency HVAC systems, Solar Thermal and Solar PV will guide the project in the right direction before any costly non-optimal decisions are made. However, it is also possible to retrofit a building or project for Net Zero Energy, and ZEA has successfully completed a number of Zero Energy retrofits.
Go Zero Energy Today
Going solar is a great way to reduce your electric usage and more importantly, your electric bill. But what about your gas bill? Do you have a gas furnace and gas water heater? If so, your new solar system is only offsetting a portion of your total energy usage, bill and carbon footprint.
ZEA can often double or triple your energy and carbon savings.
By upgrading your HVAC systems to high-efficiency, non-polluting air-source heat pumps and water heaters that run on energy produced from the sun via your solar PV system, you can reduce or even eliminate your gas bill in addition to your electric bill!
How exactly do I Go Zero Energy?
Multiple systems are typically incorporated into a net zero energy building. A new architectural design would start with efficient design principles, including correct siting, landscaping and passive solar heating and cooling. Next, for both new designs and retrofits, comes efficiency. Efficient lighting, appliances, water heating, and HVAC systems are essential to achieve net zero energy.
Given the magnitude of options and variables available, there are many routes to pursue and achieve net zero energy usage. One example might be an existing residence that has decided to go beyond solar to zero out their net energy usage, including both gas and electricity. Following is an example of the project list this family might undertake to achieve net zero energy. These projects can be phased in over time as the budget allows, or can be done all at once, which reduces the overall project costs.
To accomplish their goal, this family changed out all their incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFL's). They then added additional insulation to the attic crawlspace and replaced their old windows with new, coated, double paned windows. They sealed the building envelope by weatherizing all service penetrations, doors, windows, vents, electrical outlets, etc. to reduce unintentional airflow into and out of the conditioned space. They replaced their old, gas-fired water heater with a high-efficiency all-electric heat-pump water heater, and added a solar thermal pre-heat system to the roof. They also upgraded their gas furnace to a high-efficiency all-electric heat pump HVAC system. One additional benefit here is that a heat pump HVAC system can also be reversed and used as an air-conditioner to cool on hot summer days, which is a luxury the family did not previously have. The dryer and stove were also upgraded to newer, higher efficiency electric models. Now that all the gas appliances have been replaced with high-efficiency models, it's time to size and install the solar electric system to power the house. Once installed, the solar system provides all the net power the family will use over the course of the year. Being a grid-tied, net-metered system, the family will likely use grid power during the lower insolation winter months, but make up for this grid power in the higher insolation summer months, with a net zero energy usage from the grid.
Every energy project is unique. Net Zero Energy Projects are no exception. Given the multiple systems involved, and the myriad of choices and paths leading to your goals, it makes sense to partner with an experienced Energy Services Provider like Zero Energy Associates.
Start your Net Zero Energy project today by contacting Zero Energy Associates.