May 17, 2006: Near-Zero Energy Homes Open in California and New Jersey
PALO ALTA, Calif., and PATERSON, N.J. - New energy-efficient solar homes that use nearly zero net energy over the course of a year have opened in California and New Jersey.
In California, Clarum Homes offered preview tours of four demonstration homes in Borrego Springs, a desert location about 85 miles northeast of San Diego. The homes are designed to use 90 percent less energy than conventional homes and employ a variety of highly insulating wall systems and high-efficiency cooling systems. All of the homes feature 3.2-kilowatt solar power systems, instantaneous water heaters, and exterior shade screens, and three of the homes are equipped with under-floor radiant heating.