Buildings or developments that are verified and certified as “net zero operational energy and/or carbon.” The building should demonstrate the highest levels of energy efficiency with the use of either renewables generated onsite or renewable energy procured offsite.
The vision for the project was to create a net zero home using passive solar design, active solar technology, and conventional construction assemblies and systems. The client wanted to see how much energy efficiency the passive solar design and conventional wood framing, insulation and HVAC systems could provide. Active photovoltaic panels were then installed to achieve net zero. The design team consisted primarily of the architect and owner, however, the builder collaborated on many decisions. The mechanical engineer also contributed by calculating Energy Star and HERS index.
The design process began with designing a site concept for the specific land. Efficient space planning came next to minimize heated square footage. We worked on combining passive solar window sizing calculations with room layouts and views out of the home. Roof overhangs, 3D sun studies and thermal mass for the concrete floor slabs were also carefully calculated and coordinated.
The windows maximize views and promote north-south cross breeze through the house via the stack effect. The home also incorporates exterior shading devices. The mechanical system is a conventional air-to-air heat pump. The ventilation system is an ERV, with the owners relying heavily on natural airflow via the operable windows. A Heat Pump Water Heater is installed. The project incorporates LED lights, daylighting, and furniture-based lighting systems. Interior living spaces were designed to maximize daylight and minimize dependence on electric lighting during the daytime.
The concrete slab at the lower level was sized and designed for passive solar heat gain. South facing windows have solar shading devices whose depth was designed to prevent the summer sun from reaching the slab while allowing the angle of the winter sun to warm it. Nearly all windows are operable, and the stack effect and cross-breezes cool the home. Windows were intentionally located at the south walls of the living spaces to take advantage of the ample sunlight and views available on-site. The residents are heavily invested in the photovoltaic monitoring of the house and were the catalyst for this certification process of their home.
(18) 285-Wayy SolarWorld Sunmodule Plus SW 285MONO panels, one SolarEdge Single Phase Inverter, SE5000A-US, (18) SolarEdge Power Optimizers, P300 are installed. The whole solar array is mounted on the roof and angled south. The residents are heavily invested in the photovoltaic monitoring of the house and were the catalyst for the certification process of their home. Per Duke Progress Energy’s requirements, the photovoltaic array is tied into the grid currently.
You can find out more about this case study from ILFI here.
“The vision for the project was to create a net zero home using passive solar design, active solar technology, and conventional construction assemblies and systems.”
