Homes rank second behind vehicles as the highest greenhouse gas emitters in theU.S., responsible for 17 percent of totalU.S.carbon dioxide emissions, according to the EPA.
There is a growing, segment of theU.S.housing market being referred to as net-zero-energy homes, many of which use solar energy to achieve net-zero energy use vs. consumption, and thus achieve a year-end positive energy generation-to-use balance. It turns out the Northwest is leading the charge of what is considered to be a national change in how people think about power.
In 2009,U.S.homeowners paid an average $2,200 for energy use in their homes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A growing number of homeowners are taking it upon themselves to not just lower, but erase that cost. This rising trend of super-efficient, solar-powered new homes allows homeowners to combat rising energy costs by giving back to the power grid. Some owners are even realizing a small profit from their home's power-generating capacity. Imagine that!
Intelligent house layout and design, and home features such as dual-pane windows, air-tight ductwork and high-caliber wall and attic insulation, are curbing energy consumption. And when coupled with solar energy, captured through photovoltaic panels, these homes are becoming their own mini power plants that feed electricity to the grid.
High-caliber insulation, like the attic-coating foam above, are among the products that contribute to energy efficiency. In the sun-sparse days of winter, energy consumption often exceeds generation, but in the sunny days of summer, energy generation often far exceeds consumption.
Homeowners can do some simple things to make their homes more efficient. For about $1,000, homeowners can transform their home from poorly performing to within the top 10 percent echelon of energy-efficient homes.
You could start with insulating walls and ceilings. From there, experts say to look at your windows. Both steps will minimize "energy freeways." Consider energy-efficient appliances, like Department of Energy-rated Energy Star-designated models. Turn off lights when not in use. When it's nice outside, turn off the thermostat and open the windows for fresh air. Practice minimal heating and cooling use.
And beware of vampire loads: connect TVs, VCRs and other electronics to a power strip, and control their operation through it. For example, the average TV uses half its electricity over its life when off, he said.
With an influx of federal money for research, and federal tax credits that refund up to 30 percent of the cost of a solar-energy system on a home through 2016, power generation is within reach for a larger group of homeowners.
