What is Net Zero? Net-Zero Energy Consumption & Zero Energy Homes

Energy usage at your home or office is a monthly cost. If you were able to total up the utility bills at the end of the year and looking at an average bill of owing zero dollars that is netting zero-energy consumption (Net Zero). The thing to remember is that you are not giving up electricity to achieve this status – you are still consuming electricity. However, you have added energy production into the equation in order to balance both sides (usage and production). And when there is an energy production excess (net positive), it can be credited on a future bill.  

Most bill paying people want to own a Zero-Energy Home (ZEH) but find it difficult to know where to begin, or even think that the cost may be out of their budget. This reasoning is absolutely based on last century tall tales and we are well into living in a 21st century world. We all know energy consumption is very rarely unavoidable now days with all the energy required by electronic gadgets such as smart phones, kitchen appliances, or entertainment centers. So to balance your home between energy usage and production you will need to invest in solar PV (solar panels) as well as learn some additional tricks of the trade. Simple things such as making sure you have Energy Star appliances, proper attic insulation, and conservation habits like turning things off when not in use will all play a role in helping you achieve Net Zero within your building.

According to the Department of Energy, anything that is using 60-70 percent less than a conventional home or business falls under their category of Net Zero.  So if you are paying a 60% lower monthly energy bill than what you used to pay, you have achieved a zero-energy home in the eyes of the DOE.

Why Net Zero?

We can conjure up two different reasons of what attracts people to the zero-energy home concept. The first relates to financials and dollar savings, while the second is more on a personal level with a degree of environmental respect and concern.

Financially, the average U.S. home spends $2,200 a year on utilities which amounts to $22,000 in 10 years (assuming no power rate increases). When the life of solar panels last 30-40 years and the cost of electricity is only going up, the math is clear and simple. An average solar panel system can cost $15,000 after incentives and rebates (or a couple hundred bucks each month if financed). In addition, the increased real estate value that comes from a solar panel installation makes the solar powered home much more desirable (and green-friendly homes are on the rise).

Those people motivated to make environmentally friendly and eco-conscious decisions are pursuing the Net Zero path as well. The enjoyment of improving the environment by not partaking in the coal burning process and thereby reducing CO2 and other environmentally harmful greenhouse gases will certainly help the Earth. In addition, independence from large power companies many times play a role in making a Net Zero decision.

Who Wants Net Zero?

Erase thoughts of granola, hippie dancing images out of your mind— and certainly erase the thought that solar is ‘only for the rich’.  Zero energy homes with solar are mainstream and are both desired-by and purchased-by middle class people. Even Forbes mentioned the people who have energy efficient homes are homeowners that understand value and investing in the future.

People such as you understand the financial benefits of this technology allowing energy to both be produced and consumed in a balanced formula. So what is Net Zero? We guess it’s a full circle of energy production and usage – kind of like the yin and the yang.

Net Zero USA proudly sells energy efficient home improvements designed to dramatically reduce home energy bills.

www.netzero-usa.com