Feasibility of Zero Energy Homes

The concept of "zero energy buildings" has emerged as an ideal for attaining a sustainable energy future. Are zero energy buildings an achievable goal? How significant of a role can solar energy play compared to the energy demands of buildings? This paper examines the questions associated with zero energy homes. The feasibility of zero energy homes was tested based on computer simulations of a two-story single family residential building. The energy consumption of identical buildings in four US climatic zones represented by Detroit (cold climate), San Francisco (temperate climate), Phoenix (hot and dry climate) and Miami (hot and humid climate) were evaluated and compared with electricity that can be produced by building integrated PV panels. Through the comparison of these simulations and their onsite energy estimations, the climatic and economic feasibilities of zero energy homes were assessed.