The world is gradually, but surely realizing the joys of alternate energy and we are witnessing an increasing number of designers and architect firms, who are turning toward green energy in order to offer their consumers that something extra. Effect Home Builders have used the exact same method in order to draw attention to the latest home that they have crafted up in Edmonton, Canada. This wonderful house is bathed with green technology and uses several smart methods to cut down on its energy needs. That has enabled it to become one of the rare few homes in the area that is effectively a zero energy structure.
For those who are new to the eco side of things, a zero energy building is a structure that can pretty much produce the same or more amount of energy than is used by it. What puts this home in Edmonton fall in that category is the wide array of photovoltaic panels, which constantly produce solar energy that power it on. The solar panels are installed in the perfect direction to ensure that they produce the maximum output and stay efficient even on cloudy days by tapping into whatever is available.
Effect Home Builders say that the solar panel installation can actually produce more energy than required in summer months and turn the meter backwards, while on cold, cloudy winter days it still manages to contribute in a significant fashion. The home is hooked up with electricity, but no gas. The added advantage that allows it to go ‘zero energy is its doubled up insulation capability that traps in the heat and does away with artificial heating needs to a very large extent.
The home has its foundation insulated to R-40 and its walls to R-48, while the standards value generally used is just R-20. This makes the home cozier on cold winter days. This is another great example of smart design and efficient green energy combining to offer the best results.
Via: Effect Home Builders
