Zero Energy Homes (ZEH) are homes designed to use zero net energy from the utility grid. The concept is simple — couple the maximum possible building energy efficiency with the best available renewable energy resources in a way that maximizes the effectiveness of both. FSEC's first Zero Energy Home was built in Lakeland, Florida in 1998.

There is now a new generation of Zero Energy Homes being designed and constructed around the country under the sponsorship ot the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, CO.

A primary aim in each of these projects is to collect detailed performance data that will allow refinement of the approach for integrating energy efficiency measures with PV and solar thermal systems. Clicking on the animated image above will take you to FSEC's Information Monitors web site, which is collecting these data.

Gainesville, Florida (1) This near zero energy home in Gainesville, Florida, features all Energy Star rated appliances and hot water that is provided by a 120 gallon solar hot water system. It is a 1,772 sqft, single story, three bedroom/ two bath home with a preliminary HERS rating of 29. Occupied by two persons.

Gainesville, Florida (2) This home is located in Gainesville, Florida. It is a single story three bedroom/two bath home with 1,519 sqft of living space and a HERS rating of 16. The house has all Energy Star appliances, water star plumbing fixtures, and 120 gallon solar hot water system. While it was planned to be a zero energy home, site shading and equipment issues have lowered its performance. Unoccupied as of 1/1/09.

Lakeland, Florida In 1998, FSEC began its Zero Energy Homes research program in collaboration with the City of Lakeland municipal utility and builder Rick Strawbridge. Two homes were constructed and tested on a side-by-side basis for more than a year.

Livermore, California The Los Olivos Zero Energy Home (ZEH) in Livermore, California represents an initial demonstration and proof of concept of ZEH technologies in California under the National Renewable Energy Lab Zero Energy Home Program.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida A second-generation Zero Enery home was constructed in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Many of the lessons learned during the design and construction of previous projects have helped to maximize the cost:benefit ratio of the various components.

Panama City, Florida This factory built modular home near Panama City, is the first home in Florida to achieve a LEED for Homes platinum rating. It is a two story three bedroom/two bath home with 1,371 sqft of living space and a HERS rating of 26. Occupied by one person.