What is the Net Zero Energy House?
Imagine a home that is not only energy efficient, but also produces its own power. Just like a typical home, a Net Zero Energy Home (NZEH) is connected to, and uses energy from, the local electric utility. But unlike typical homes, at times the NZEH makes enough power to send some back to the utility. Annually, a NZEH produces enough energy to offset the amount purchased from the utility-resulting in a net-zero annual energy bill.
A NZEH combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction techniques and equipment with renewable energy systems to return as much energy as it takes on an annual basis. Specifically, when renewable resources cannot provide all the home's power, e.g., at night or on a cloudy day, the homeowner purchases energy from the utility. When renewable resources produce more than the house is using, e.g., during sunny days when no one is home, power is sent back into the utility grid. Some utilities operate the home's electric meter in reverse, essentially providing the homeowners full retail value for their energy.
Location: 656 Kent Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 View Map
…for questions or comments regarding NZEH please contact Charles Muldrow: c.muldrow@smha.com.
Download a pdf set of drawings for the Project.
Patrons
