If you would like many of the benefits of a zero energy home without the initial cost of solar collectors, consider a zero energy ready home. These homes are designed and built to the same high energy efficiency standards as zero energy homes. The only difference is that zero energy ready homes are designed and wired so that solar panels can be easily installed in the future, making them even more affordable today, and allowing them to become zero energy homes when you are ready. Thus, ‘zero energy ready’ is an effective way to purchase or build an ultra-efficient home that has a simple path to becoming a net zero home.
U. S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) defines a zero energy ready home as “a high performance home which is so energy efficient, that a renewable energy system can offset all or most of its annual energy consumption.” DOE zero energy ready homes are designed to meet high performance standards so that they live better, work better and last longer than code built homes. Take a virtual tour of Zero Energy Ready homes.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) maintains that a Zero Energy Ready Certified Home is the home of the future that is available today. Each of the key components that make up a Zero Energy Ready Home has a compelling value for home buyers:
- Optimized Thermal Protection meets and exceeds the next generation code making each home Future Ready;
- Whole-House Water Protection effectively manages potential leak and mold problems making each home Moisture Ready;
- High-Performance Heating and Cooling ensure both energy efficient equipment and professional installation making each home Comfort Ready;
- High-Efficiency Components typically come with improved performance, quality, and durability making each home Tech Ready;
- Comprehensive Indoor Air Quality includes all the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Indoor airPLUS program making each home Health Ready; and
- Solar Ready Construction minimizes the cost and disruption of adding solar in the future making each home Zero Ready.