The idea of having a net zero home, one that generates as much power as it consumes, is very exciting. Some people are interested in it to help save the planet, others like the idea of never paying another power bill, or the freedom of energy independence. For a long time, net zero homes were so expensive and complicated that they were simply dreams for most people. In this post I'll explain how I did it, and how you can to.
Incredibly janky port of comments from my old WordPress site:
Kate Zod
2021-03-27 at 4:39 am
FYI. I thought you might want to update your article.
“…solar projects in all market segments — residential, commercial, industrial, utility-scale — that begin construction in 2021 and 2022 will still be able to receive a tax credit at 26%. All markets will drop to a 22% tax credit in 2023, and the residential market will drop to 0%, while the commercial and utility markets will sit at a permanent 10% credit beginning in 2024.”
Incredibly janky port of comments from my old WordPress site:
gordon skinner
2021-11-29 at 7:52 pm
Thank you for the reply to my comment.
My heating is actually 18,000 Kwhr converted from litres of propane.
Propane is tied to oil prices and currently 80 cents Cdn per litre, 24,000 btu
There is a federal tax on carbon which added $350 last year and is increasing every year to 2030
Our electrical is actually 8,000 Kwhr and billed on a time of use basis. includes hot water
Both heat and electricity are typical averages for a house in Canada, Zone 6
We keep the house at 55F at night and the same anytime we are out.
I think the real difference is insulation . My house is a storey and half and the upstairs is all knee walls.
I have 5 different attic areas and a real zoo to re-insulate.
The house is a brick facade so the lower walls are also a problem to fix without tearing out the drywall.
The house is surrounded by so many big trees that the solar guy did not want to install.
In any event, my roof area is not big enough for enough solar and is broken up by dormers and a garage roof going the opposite way.
We have electrical baseboards throughout but are too expensive to use.
Your idea of a heat pump for one room and setting it high is a good one.
We are actually on the same page.
Incredibly janky port of comments from my old WordPress site:
gordon skinner
2021-11-20 at 2:08 pm
great article, well researched and analysed
my house is similar to yours in size and has new windows well-sealed
no obvious caulking spots, all infiltration
however, I use a total 26,000 kwhrs from electricity and equivalent propane usage
I think you stated 11,000 kwhrs for your home plus an ACH of .34?
I have not been able to do the same economics
I believe a blower door test on my house would show 5 or 6 ACH @ 50 pascals
my roof is far too small to make it up with solar
plus would need more than one heat pump
the issue of deep retrofitting existing houses needs to be solved or our climate goals will not be met
Incredibly janky port of comments from my old WordPress site:
Kate Zod
2021-03-27 at 4:39 am
FYI. I thought you might want to update your article.
“…solar projects in all market segments — residential, commercial, industrial, utility-scale — that begin construction in 2021 and 2022 will still be able to receive a tax credit at 26%. All markets will drop to a 22% tax credit in 2023, and the residential market will drop to 0%, while the commercial and utility markets will sit at a permanent 10% credit beginning in 2024.”
Source:
https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/12/solar-investment-tax-credit-extended-at-26-for-two-additional-years/