Zero Energy Construction – The Solar Connection
New Zero Energy construction and redevelopment projects might be coming to your community soon!
Is Tomorrow’s Future Zero Energy?
Science fiction authors have often painted a future where technology solved man’s greatest challenges. Perhaps you can envision an endless supply of clean energy?
Every great achievement begins with a goal. It’s known that solar collection panels have contributed to a reduction of electricity bills for millions of consumers. The question remains whether or not is practical to make new goals with greater expectations.
Is it possible to draw enough energy from the sun and from other sustainable sources to satisfy all your energy demands? This concept is referred to as Zero Energy or Net Zero.
Various building trade publications have featured many notable zero energy projects over the last few years. Some projects feature experimental, highly-efficient building components. Some projects utilize a greater than standard amount of insulation. Some projects minimize heat absorption with highly reflective external surfaces.
Other developments feature geo-exchange systems, geothermal or wind energy-sourced electricity. Some even have co-located biodigesters where waste gasses are collected and reused.
All of these notable projects have at least one thing in common. All have an abundance of highly efficient solar collection panels.
UC-Davis West Village
The largest planned zero energy community in America is the UC – Davis West Village expansion. Completed in 2013, it is spread across 205 acres. The development includes housing for 3000 students and 475 faculty and staff. It has 45,000 square feet of retail and office space, 60,000 square feet for the Los Rios Community College District and nearly 22 acres of recreational green space.
A four megawatt roof-mounted solar collection system is situated on the multifamily housing units at West Village. Residents acquire electricity through a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the local utility.
Even the covered parking space, visible at right, are entirely covered with solar collection panels!
