Green, Affordable Housing Moving Toward “Zero Energy” PDF

In Spring of 2006, a nonprofit developer and builder of affordable housing in Western Massachusetts began construction on a small home, aiming to achieve extraordinary levels of energy efficiency while incorporating active solar thermal and electric systems. Features include double-wall construction; windows with a suspended, low-emissivity film; and a radiant slab insulated with four inches of foam. A 3.2 kW PV system will provide an estimated 74% of the home’s total electric needs, and 44% of the combined heating and water-heating loads will be met by the solar thermal system. Modeling predicts that energy required to operate the home, which will be completed in Spring of 2007, will be $1,030 per year—a 73% savings compared to standard construction.

Presented at Thermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings X – December 2007

Units: Dual