WASHINGTON – Jan. 28, 2015 – Some builders are starting to design “net-zero” homes for the mass market in hopes of taking the concept mainstream. Long viewed as a niche product for the wealthy buyers, net-zero homes generate more electricity in a year than they use; and the homeowner receives credit for the excess electricity.
Builders believe there is rising demand from home buyers and local regulators. However, the cost of achieving net-zero status – the initial outlay for equipment – will be the main hurdle.
Customers who switch to solar would have to wait several years for electricity-bill savings to cover the thousands of dollars they spent upfront on features like solar panels and energy-efficient windows, doors and appliances.
The industry predicts that parts of the country with a lot of sunshine to generate solar energy – such as Florida or the American Southwest – will see the highest initial demand for solar energy.
The Department of Energy certified 370 homes as “net-zero ready” in the past year, but the total number of homes is just a fraction of the overall market.
Source: Wall Street Journal (01/21/15) P. A3; Hudson, Kris
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