What is a Zero Energy Home?
A zero energy home simply means that it can produce as much energy as it consumes, achieving a net of zero.
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It all starts with renewable energy
1. Solar Panels
Solar panels are composed of PV (photovoltaic cells) that capture the sunlight during the day. The PV cells then convert sunlight into electricity.
2. Micro Inverter
The inverter is connected to your solar panels. It then converts the electricity produced by the solar panel into usable energy for your home.
3. Electrical
The energy created then travels from the micro inverter to your electrical panel where it is distributed and then consumed throughout your home.
4. Utility Grid
You will still be connected to your local utility grid to ensure that you will always be able to draw power in case you need more than the solar panels can generate.
5. Bidirectional Utility Meter
The meter measures how much energy your system creates and how much energy is coming from your electric company’s grid. Any excess electricity you create is sent back to their grid which they will deduct from your bill.
6. Your Utility Bill
The energy created then travels from the micro inverter to your electrical panel where it is distributed and then consumed throughout your home.
Zero energy doesn’t stop with solar. Our homes include high-performance features that significantly reduce the amount of energy needed in the first place.
Exactly how energy efficient is a Brite Home and how much can you really save?
Our HERS Score says it all.
Spray foam insulation isn’t your average insulation material; it is the most effective insulation material that exists in the market. We use spray foam insulation inside the cinder blocks that are the structure of your home. Additionally, we use it on the underside of the roof deck and in the trusses of your home, creating an airtight seal against thermal, air and moisture protection.
A hybrid water heater has the lowest operating cost of any water heater on the market, particularly when installed in warm climates such as Florida. It works by capturing the heat from the surrounding, such as in your garage, and transferring it to the storage tank where it heats the water. Using existing hot air makes these water heaters up to three times more efficient than a stand electric heater.
Our windows use two panes of glass with a small space in between them that create a space that helps to better insulate your home by keeping control of your home’s internal temperature. Low emission windows also help prevent condensation from forming and lowers noise pollution as well.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it relates to how much energy an HVAC unit uses over the course of a year. The higher the number, the more energy efficient it is. A 16 SEER unit uses about 13% less energy than your standard 14 SEER used in most new construction homes. The US Department of Energy estimates that 56% of the energy used in a home goes to heating and cooling.
Brite Homes utilize LED lighting throughout the entire home. LED lighting is today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technology. According to the Department of Energy, residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer.
All of our homes come with an Energy Star Certified refrigerator, dishwasher and optional washing machine. Energy Star appliances are at least 10% more energy efficient than non-certified appliances and achieve a 20% improvement on average while providing homeowners and residents with better quality, performance and comfort.