Aug. 14, 2013: First Net-Zero Home Unveiled in Cold, Dry Climate
The Zero Home Is Designed to Eliminate Homeowner’s Energy Bills
SALT LAKE CITY — Vivint and Garbett Homes have announced what they say is the first affordable, climate 5 net-zero home to achieve a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating of 0. Located in Herriman, Utah, this non-custom, self-sufficient, solar-powered home, called The Zero Home, is one of the first production homes in the United State that can generate as much energy as it consumes. The home is equipped with Vivint’s smart home technology and Vivint Solar’s energy array.
Net-zero homes are so energy efficient that all or almost all electricity needs can be met with renewable energy systems. This target has been difficult to achieve in the Salt Lake area’s cold, dry climate, which according to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) climate zone map corresponds to Climate Zone 5.