Net Zero Energy House with Solar Panels
This amazing house in Ann Arbor, Michigan (shown to the left) is 110 years old and yet operates without the use of any grid-based electricity. Its owners decided to install solar panels for a net zero energy house.
While net zero homes (residences that generate all the power required for their operation on site) are becoming more popular, the home above is the oldest net zero energy home in the U.S.
Following extensive refurbishing and retrofitting, the roof is covered in solar panels that generate 12,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each year. Of that, only 10,000 kWh was required to keep things running and the balance was fed back into the grid via net metering.
If you are considering installing solar panels on your home this year, keep in mind that prices are lower than ever – about 50% less than just a few years ago. In addition, solar tax rebates and other incentives will be phased out in the near future, so act now!
This net zero energy house cost about $47,000 to renovate, saving the owners thousands each year on utility bills. In addition to rooftop solar panels, additional insulation was installed, along with insulated glass. Low pressure plumbing minimizes water usage, too.
To learn more about net zero energy houses and how these Michigan homeowners installed solar panels on their 110-year old home, watch this video:
Tags: home solar panels, install solar panels, net zero, net zero energy, net zero energy house, residential solar panels
