Insulation and Air Sealing Systems:
A high level of air sealing and insulation creates an energy saving thermal barrier for the home.
* Insulated slab floor
* Spray foam insulated walls
* R-52 insulation in the attic

Passive Solar Design:
Passive solar design incorporates a high percentage of glass on the south side of the home to take advantage of heat from the sun in the winter. Recycled tile provides thermal mass to store the heat. Properly sized overhangs block the sun in the summer to reduce the cooling load.
* South-facing glass
* Thermal mass
* Properly sized overhangs

Renewable Energy Systems:
The renewable energy systems produce electricity and hot water, reducing consumption of fossil fuels in addition to lowering energy bills. The home’s photovoltaic system was the first of its size to be connected in Duke Power’s territory; all of the power generated will be sold to the NC Green Power program.
* Solar Water Heating System
* Photovoltaic Solar Electric Modules

Heating, Cooling and Ventilation:
The heating, cooling and ventilation strategies make the home energy efficient and comfortable year round.
* Geothermal heat pump
* Well sealed and insulated duct runs
* Energy recovery ventilator (ERV)

A summary of Zero Energy Home information prepared by Adrian Tait, is available here as PDF (204kb).

"A group of Appalachian State University students, staff and energy consultants have come together to build the first zero energy house in North Carolina."
Read the article in The Appalachian about the Zero Energy Home in Hickory, NC.

The following are images from the Zero Energy Home in Hickory, North Carolina.