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Net Zero Home

If you’re interested in a net-zero home, Belmont Solar can help. We’ve helped many homeowners achieve true net-zero living; our founder, Ben Zook, even lives in a net-zero home himself. Explore our recent projects or take a virtual tour of Ben’s house to see what’s possible. 

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What is A Net Zero Home?

You may be wondering, what exactly is a net-zero home? At its most basic definition, the term “Net Zero Home” refers to a house that yields an energy bill of $0.00 over a year. In other words, the house is so energy efficient that it produces as much renewable energy (on or off-site) as it consumes, making it a self-sustainable structure that is carbon-neutral.

Many people think that the topic of Net Zero only consists of placing solar panels on your house roof. While Net Zero is possible through solar alone, it doesn’t encompass the whole picture. Net Zero involves much more than that. Going Net Zero involves superior building construction, utilizing new technology, practicing energy-saving tips, and thinking outside the box. 

Below, we’ll cover what it takes to make your home net zero.

How To Make Your home Net Zero

Before you can go net zero, you have to understand how your home is currently performing in terms of energy efficiency. A home energy audit is a report that will highlight trouble spots in your home, like insulation defects or air leaks. It will also tell you what updates or repairs need to be made to your home to successfully achieve a net-zero energy bill. 

At Belmont Solar, we work with King Conservation Group to help our customers obtain their home energy audits. Another alternative is PECO, which does energy audits for a minimal fee of $25 (or $15, in the case of a referral). Income-qualified customers can also get free energy upgrades and an energy audit.

Now that the audit is complete, you can consider installing a clean energy source for your home. Before you install your solar panels, you need to decide what kind of system you want. There are three types of solar systems you can choose from:

  • Hybrid – Combines the best of both worlds
  • Grid-Tied – Most affordable, sells power back to the grid
  • Off-Grid – Fully independent with battery storage

A roof-mounted solar system is the best option if your home experiences plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. However, if trees block your home or just don’t get the best sun exposure, a ground-mounted solar system may be a better option.

Additional factors can come into play when deciding, which we’ll cover in more depth below.

Choose a reliable solar installer who will work alongside you to reach your energy goals and install a system designed to last for years to come.

Start the Process Towards a Net-Zero Home

Putting Your Net Zero Home Plan Into Action With Belmont Solar

At Belmont Solar, your energy savings are our top priority. Schedule a free consultation and walk us through your net-zero home plan, and we’ll develop a solar system to help you achieve a $0 energy bill. All we need is:

  • Your address
  • Your average monthly utility costs
  • Your net-zero goals

With this information, we’ll create a proposal for a system that helps you achieve a net-zero energy bill.

If you have questions about which system is right for you or how to address any weaknesses in your home, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.

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Common Questions About Getting a Net-Zero Home

It’s important to factor in cost, property space, roof condition, and accessibility. 

Ground mounts can be more expensive to install because they require more parts and take longer to install. 

Roof mounts are better suited for smaller properties with minimal yard space that couldn’t fit ground mounts.

If your roof needs repair, a ground-mount system may be a better solution, as adding roof-mounted panels will not be viable until the roof is repaired.

Ground mounts will be easier to access if maintenance is an issue, but most solar systems are low maintenance, so this shouldn’t be an issue. 

It absolutely can be! You can have a solar bill of $0, which will significantly reduce your energy spending and put money back into your pocket. Of course, as with anything, there are pros and cons to having a net-zero home.

You can do several things, including ensuring your home is well-insulated enough, especially in the basement, and reducing phantom load. Devices like cable boxes, gaming systems, TVs, and audio systems can silently steal energy from your home. Consider opting for ductless mini split units, smart thermostats, and other ENERGY-STAR certified appliances to help save energy.

A solar energy bill can be confusing; our energy bill breakdown guide will help you determine if you owe the utility company, are netting zero, or have accumulated credits.

Use our solar cost calculator to learn more about the cost of achieving a net-zero home.

God Provides Solar Power For Free!

It's a Fusion Reactor in the sky, a safe distance away. No need to invent a new one.

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