Imagine a home that is not only energy efficient, but also produces its own power. Just like a typical home, a Zero Energy Home (ZEH) is connected to, and uses energy from, the local electric utility. But unlike typical homes, at times the ZEH makes enough power to send some back to the utility. Annually, a ZEH produces enough energy to offset the amount purchased from the utility-resulting in a net-zero annual energy bill.

A ZEH combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction techniques and equipment with renewable energy systems to return as much energy as it takes on an annual basis. Specifically, when renewable resources cannot provide all the home’s power, at night or on a cloudy day, the homeowner purchases energy from the utility. When renewable resources produce more than the house is using during sunny days when no one is home, power is sent back into the utility grid. Some utilities operate the home’s electric meter in reverse, essentially providing the homeowners full retail value for their energy.