The zero energy house: independent from the public electricity grid

Nowadays energy is becoming more and more expensive: the logical consequence is that manufacturers become self-sufficient independent from the public electricity grid I want to do. Anyone who builds a zero-energy house or an energy self-sufficient house produces their own electricity using suitable systems – and exactly how much they consume. But is it really that simple? Mare investigates the advantages and disadvantages of zero-energy homes.

Solar or water? Spoiled for choice

As already mentioned: zero energy house means not a stranger Energy for heatingrefrigerator or hot water to use. To produce your own electricity you need the right device. Now you can choose what you want from the numerous techniques available. For example, question yourself

Photovoltaic
Solar thermal energy
Small wind turbines
Hydroelectric energy
Combined thermal and electrical power plant

None of the required systems are particularly cheap to buy: but according to the manufacturers they should be expect in the long term. If the electricity production is particularly high, you can also feed it into the public grid and even earn money again. We can only recommend that you carefully check these profitability calculations and also check whether maintenance costs and provisions for repairs have been taken into account.

It is generally assumed that the so-called “grey costs”, i.e. additional costs for construction costs, transport costs, etc., have been amortized after 12 years. Here too, calculations are made based on certain parameters and you should be able to check whether these general conditions also apply to you. In practice this is often difficult.

Leave the heat at home and raise the funds

Unfortunately, the technology mentioned above is not enough: a zero-energy house generates electricity, but should also waste as little energy as possible. A matching one Insulation of the external casing and thermal protection windows they are essential. At some point, even with the best insulation, there comes a point where, when calculating the energy balance, heat loss through window ventilation hinders further savings. Now a ventilation system is needed. By using a special ventilation system, it is also possible to use waste heat from people and electrical appliances. Obviously it surpasses all this complex energy saving and recovery techniques even the costs of building a house. Here you should consider the possibility of financing by Credit Union for Reconstruction (KfW) check. The “Ecological building” program, for example, provides grants and loans at a subsidized rate of up to 50,000 euros per housing unit. It should be borne in mind that financing is also subject to conditions; these measures must be accompanied and confirmed by an energy consultant approved by KfW. The resulting costs must then be included in the equation.

Although all homes will not have to be built to zero-energy home standards until 2021, many builders are already looking to become independent of energy suppliers with their new home.

The design and orientation of zero-energy homes are predetermined

If you want to become a self-sufficient electricity supplier, building orientation and design must be based on energy efficiency. For example, in this form of construction there is one South orientation is absolutely necessary. A compact building shape is also helpful, as bay windows, dormer windows or other roof structures reduce solar area or act as cooling fins.

Do good for the environment

No zero energy house can be built without sacrifices: in our opinion the advantages and disadvantages are still in balance. In the coming years, the development of prices and the efficiency of construction techniques will determine the direction to follow. Price trends among energy providers will also help set the course. But one thing is clear: with one With a zero-energy house you are a pioneer in terms of independence and detach yourself to a certain extent from market price fluctuations. If you look at the ecological aspect, there are different opinions here. Some say that the energy balance is already positive and that something is being done to protect the environment. Others argue that this cannot work as long as several systems must be maintained in parallel. I think we are in the middle of a development and we are going in the right direction.

Mare builds your zero energy home

Do you want it? We can do it! Get a no-obligation consultation: call us on 03843-776553 or write us a message.