Anatomy of a Zero Energy Home

Zero Energy homes cut energy bills by at least 50 percent and include solar panels. Find out more about these eco-friendly domiciles.

May/June 2004
By Lydia Lee 
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This Zero Energy home in Tucson’s Armory Park del Sol development incorporates state-of-the-art energy-saving measures.
Photo courtesy John Wesley Miller Company
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“Getting a utility bill that reads ‘zero’ is not just a dream. Any builder can do it— the elements to produce a net-zero energy home are already here; you just have to pay attention.”

—John Wesley Miller, Tucson, Arizona, developer

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Thanks to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Zero Energy program, subdivision developers are building homes with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances. A Zero Energy home is hooked to the grid, but it cuts energy bills by at least 50 percent and generates electricity with solar panels. Ultimately, its goal is to reach net-zero annual energy use.

Participating developers

  • Dallas-based Centex Homes has built prototypes in California and is considering offering Zero Energy features in future developments. CentexHomes.com
  • Clarum Homes has built two subdivisions and is planning a third in California. Zero Energy elements are standard. Clarum.com
  • John Wesley Miller Companies’ Armory Park del Sol development in Tucson, Arizona, includes a Zero Energy house, the first designed to be truly net-zero, according to the developer. ArmoryParkDelSol.com
  • For a list of Zero Energy builders, visit EERE.energy.gov/ buildings/zeroenergy
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