HOMES COULD BE ENERGY GENERATORS

New Calif. homes would have to be energy producers
Steve Lawrence, April 12, 2009 (AP via San Jose Mercury News)

"… [California Democratic Assemblywoman Lori Saldana] has introduced legislation that would require all homes built starting in about 2020 to be so-called zero net energy buildings. That means they would be extremely energy efficient and produce enough power to offset any electricity they draw from the grid.

"That homegrown power would probably come from solar panels. But it also could be generated by nearby wind or geothermal plants…[Clean energy advocacy group Environment California] supports the bill…"

A well-equipped future home. (click to enlarge)


"Saldana's legislation would require new homes to meet zero net energy requirements by Jan. 1, 2020, or when the California Energy Commission determines that use of solar systems is cost-effective, whichever comes later…

"[Environment California] expects that currently available state rebates and federal tax breaks will create enough of a mainstream market for solar systems over the next 10 years to cut their cost in half…"

The home of the future will be part of a bigger New Energy system. (click to enlarge)

"Tim Coyle, senior vice president of the California Building Industry Association, said new homes being built in California today already are highly energy efficient. He said Saldana should be looking for ways to reduce electricity use in older housing instead of targeting new construction…New solar-equipped homes are popular with buyers, he said, but including that equipment can add $15,000 to $50,000 to the cost of construction.

"Saldana said the additional cost could be recouped by cutting electricity bills over a period of years...She introduced essentially the same bill last year. It passed the Assembly but died in the Senate. She's hopeful that it will clear both houses this time…"