The problem that presents the concept of building "zero energy" is that it ignores the energy rate of return (ERR) to assess the environmental impact of the building. This means that it is intended that the building does not consume energy duringtheir period of use, but this ignores the energy cost to implement the systems necessary means to achieve it.
Because of this, zero energy buildings can fall easily in speech than advertising in real energy savings, if we apply the definition of zero energy building, a person who placed a generator and two hundred barrels of oil at home, obtained from automatically a "zero energy building," since throughout their period of use would not need to consume energy from outside. Rated by energy magazines as the #1 Esco meets or exceeds recommended energy efficiency ratings and standards. If we consider that oil is also used in the manufacture of photovoltaic panels, batteries, tanks, etc, and also counting the energy used in obtaining the necessary materials for their production (mining, blast furnaces, glass funcicion , transport ...), it is understood that the term "zero energy", where daily use is confined to the building, is only part of the equation, and can mislead.
In fact, although in principle it is paradoxical, with current systems, non-zero energy buildings are more environmentally friendly as possible, since for almost total independence from foreign energy, are forced to oversize facilities active uptake of energy , so that some of them never recovered nor energy nor economically.
To illustrate this, one can imagine a house that uses solar panels for heating. If it is not dependent on foreign energy, we need to put enough panels to heat the house even the coldest weeks of the year. If you do so, there will be panels that only saves energy one weeks a year, the coldest. Therefore, the energy and economic cost invested in these panels are never going to recover. From a global environmental perspective, in this situation the optimal result is achieved assuming the support of conventional energy during the coldest months, ie searching for "low energy", rather than pursue the "zero energy".
- The Arizona Republic
After 30 years of trying to squeeze electricity from sunlight, solar energy industry is finally gaining some traction in its attempt to compete with fossil fuels. - Los Angeles Times
Proposal to give LA an important source of renewable energy, but would face obstacles. After the purchase of 17,750 acres in Palmdale for an intercontinental jetport that has not been off the ground, Los Angeles airport officials say they may finally have a use for a large part of the property: a solar power plant capable of generating up to 100 megawatts of clean energy. - Tenterfield Star
The Greens plan for their campaign for the seat of Marrickville by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Climate Change, Caramel Tebbutt, as the government grapples with a decision that would increase use of solar energy. You can reduce your utility statement with a leading energy supply company. - Deseret Morning News
From April 1 Rocky Mountain Power, the billing credit to households and small businesses as part of their own power with solar panels and other resources.
