Comparative Analysis of Homebuyer Response to New Zero Energy Homes

Timothy C. Coburn, Abilene Christian University
Barbara C. Farhar, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Megan Murphy, University of Colorado

Keywords

Abstract

A new development by Shea Homes at Scripps Highlands in San Diego, California, offers zero energy homes (ZEHs)—highly energy-efficient homes with solar water heating and, in some, solar electricity as a standard feature—the first such offering in the United States. Early in 2004, mail questionnaires went to 271 homebuyers in the 306-home Scripps Highland community (ZEH and highly energy-efficient homes) and 98 homebuyers in an adjacent 103- home community (conventional homes) who had lived in their homes for at least 6 months. Two different builders offered these homes. Respondents in the conventional homes comprise the comparison sample.

The questionnaires address perceptions and preferences relative to the recent new home purchases, and the role, if any, that energy efficiency and solar features might have played in these purchases. Also investigated are willingness to pay for energy features; preferences on whether energy features should be standard or optional; preferences on energy policies; perceived problems; aesthetics; homebuyer satisfaction and the reasons for it; environmentalism; and experience with the utility company.

Respondents were asked to sign a release form for their utility company to provide data to the researchers on electricity and natural gas consumption. Utility data will be used to analyze whether statistically significant differences in energy consumption and energy costs might be attributed to the energy features of the new ZEH homes by comparing them with similar conventional homes, while controlling for climate, square footage, and number of occupants.

This paper covers the preliminary findings from the survey and the analysis comparing responses from the ZEH and comparison sample homebuyers.