DOE says ‘Zero Energy Ready’ is best descriptor for ultra efficient homes

Is it a Net-Zero Energy Home, a Zero Net-Energy Home, a Zero Energy Home, or a Zero Energy Ready Home? According to the Department of Energy, “An ultra-efficient home without solar, is clearly not a zero energy home.

But it is ‘Ready’ for zero with the future purchase of a solar electric system or carbon offsets. It’s especially ready for zero when simple low- and no-cost measures are included that allow a solar electric system to be installed in the future at minimal additional cost.

Thus, ‘Zero Energy Ready’ is an effective way for ultra-efficient homes without solar to leverage the power of ‘Zero’ in a fair home label.”

For more on Zero Energy Ready homes, visit: http://energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home