Report Number

FSEC-RR-302-08

URL

http://publications.energyresearch.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSEC-RR-302-08.pdf

Keywords

Zero Energy Homes; Monitoring; Buildings; Very low energy homes; Solar photovoltaic power; Passivhaus standard; Energy efficiency

Abstract

We present measured annual performance data from a dozen recent-vintage very low energy homes in North America. Many of the designs combine greater energy efficiency with solar electric photovoltaic power in an attempt to create Zero Energy Homes (ZEH). We also provide measured data from the first home constructed to the German Passivhaus standard in the United States. Several projects either exceeded or come very close to true net zero energy when evaluated over a year.

The data indicate that very low energy use buildings can very readily be achieved in North America. Annual energy use half that or less than standard housing can be achieved for an equivalent cost of $0.10/kWh from the efficiency investment. In general, the better cost effectiveness seen from energy efficiency measures indicates that greater investment in conservation should be a prerequisite to installation of solar water heating and solar electricity in Zero Energy Homes. However, over emphasis in efficiency is also possible. This suggests that optimization tools such as BEOpt, which characterize both renewable resource performance and that also of specific combinations of energy efficiency measures, will best guide designers to locate the most economically favorable mix to reach an energy neutral level.

Date Published

8-1-2008

Identifiers

398

Notes

Original Publication: Parker, D., " Very Low Energy Homes in the United States: Perspectives on Performance from Measured Data", Prepared for the National Academy of Sciences and submitted to Energy & Buildings, August 2008.

Subjects

Energy conservation; Solar energy; Buildings--Energy conservation; Energy consumption; Housing--Energy conservation

Local Subjects

Monitoring; Buildings - Zero Energy Homes

Type

Text; Document

Collection

FSEC Energy Research Center® Collection

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Rights Statement

In Copyright