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Zero – Energy Building

A zero energy building produces excess energy from renewables, reducing the carbon footprint and utilizing a grid-tie system to sell excess power back to the utility. Learn about the components of a grid-tie solar system and calculate the number of solar panels needed for a net-zero system.

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Zero – Energy Building

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  1. Zero – Energy Building

  2. What constitutes a zero energy building? A building that uses a “net” of zero energy – typically producing excess energy via renewables with the excess being sold into the grid and purchasing energy from the grid when renewables are not available with a net cost of zero $ A zero “carbon” footprint building would be one that does not use any high carbon (coal or oil) energy source and does not add to carbon based air pollution

  3. Renewable sources of electricity

  4. What is a “grid-tie” system It is an electrical generating system that ties into the utility grid and can sell to the utility excess power generated. Often called “net metering” where the electric meter can move in both input and output directions. Power generated at the home is used at the home unless excess is generated. The excess is returned to the power grid as a credit (meter runs backwards). In periods of low generating output (low sun or wind) the home receives power from the utility and the meter runs forwards. In a well designed system, the net cost to the homeowner would be $0 or possibly a small positive cash return.

  5. Grid-tie solar system Cost of installation can be reduced through a federal tax incentive covering 30% of cost Electric utilities must buy your excess electricity Current commercial solar panels near 15% efficiency Solar panels typically have a 25 year warranty Complete kits including all writing, solar panels, mounting hardware, DC-AC inverters are available

  6. Components of a grid-tie solar system A – solar panels B- DC to AC inverter C- Electrical distribution D – AC loads E – Electric meter F – Main power grid

  7. How many solar panels do you need for a net zero system?

  8. Sun Hours - Expected output from solar panels Charlotte Expect only 4KW-hr/m2 per day from a solar panel

  9. My home – average electrical usage was 1,567 KW-Hr per month for the last year. Peak usage was 2,751 KW-Hr per month in summer

  10. Average 1,567 KW-Hr/month = 50 KW-Hr/day To meet average usage Expect – 4 KW-hr/m2 per day from previous map 50 KW-Hr / 4KW-Hr/m2 = 12.5m2 of solar panels About 115 ft2 or about 10’ x 12’

  11. Peak 2,751 KW-Hr/month = 92 KW-Hr/day To meet peak usage Expected – 4 KW-hr/m2 per day from previous map 92 KW-Hr / 4KW-Hr/m2 = 23.0 m2 of solar panels About 207 ft2 or about 10’ x 21’

  12. Shown panel = 2’ x 4’. On the below home, about 384 ft2 of solar panels (8 ft2 x 16 per row x 3 rows)

  13. Complete kit for residential grid-tie solar system From previous slides my home’s electrical usage is 1,576 KW-Hr per month average and 2,751 KW-Hr per month peak This is equivalent to 1,400 KW-Hr per month in Charlotte

  14. But prices keep getting cheaper and more competitive Price on 7-11-2012 Price on 10-17-2012

  15. Assume a cost of $20,000 for a solar cell grid-tie system • Current cost of Duke power is about $.10/KW-Hr. Using my average of 1,567 KW-Hr, my average monthly cost is $156.70. • For a $20,000 system to pay back - $20,000/$156.70 = 127 months or 10.6 years • But: If the system cost is cut in half and Duke Power’s cost rises to $.12/KW-Hr: 1,567 KW-HR @ $.12/KW-Hr = $188.04 $10,000/$188.04 = 53.1 months or 4.4 years

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