Large-Production Home Builder Experience with Zero Energy Homes

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

Keywords

Abstract

Since 2001, a large production builder in San Diego, California, SheaHomes, has developed and sold 306 homes in two communities with zero energy home (ZEH) features. These are highly energy-efficient homes with solar water heating and solar electric (photovoltaic, or PV) systems. Of the 306 homes sold, 293 have solar water heating and 96 have 1.2-kW solar electric systems with net metering as standard features. Buyers of another 164 homes could opt for 1.2-kW systems. Most had the option to upgrade to 2.4 kW. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has been following this development.

The paper describes the builder’s experience in deciding on, building, and marketing ZEH homes. Also described are the distribution of energy features among the homes sold, whether the PV systems were purchased as optional or standard equipment, and system sizes.

The builder experienced both benefits and costs. The builder partnered with energy companies to provide the ZEH package. The builder’s experience with media coverage and its value is described. Also discussed is the interface between the builder and the utility company in terms of net metering and interconnectivity issues. Builder education of homebuyers about the energy features of their homes is described. The builder’s experience with the California rebates on PV systems is also described.

The paper discusses the decision of the builder not to pursue further construction of ZEHs until more analysis is completed on home buyer response to these homes, resale value, and costs of building conventional and ZEHs of the same design and size.

Finally, the paper discusses a new building permit program in San Diego that is fostering the construction of ZEHs by a few other builders, not including SheaHomes.