ML-11-010 -- Energy Performance, Comfort, and Lessons Learned from a Near Net Zero Energy Solar House PDF

This paper examines the performance of a Canadian near-net zero energy solar house, known as ÉcoTerra, located near Montreal. The total energy consumption and energy end-use breakdown are presented and several findings from the energy analysis discussed, such as the importance of occupant behavior, occupant comfort, and the improvements that could lead to achieving full net zero energy performance. It was demonstrated that large reductions in energy consumption can be achieved with little effect on comfort. Occupants affect the loads significantly and need to be educated and given specific feedback about their energy-use patterns in order to help them adjust their behavior for energy efficiency. Although already far below the typical home in energy consumption (about 90%), this paper shows how ÉcoTerra could consume even less energy and how similar houses could be designed or upgraded to achieve net zero energy.