Walked through a net zero house in Portland and it totally changed my mind about solar panels

Last month I toured a custom build over in the Pearl District that produces more energy than it uses. The builder showed me their monthly utility bills and they were literally negative $12 for the last 6 months. I always thought solar was just for rich folks but this house was priced like any other mid-range custom build. Anyone else seen real numbers on net zero homes in colder climates?

2 comments

2 Comments

jesse9941d ago

Gotta love that negative utility bill flex, right? I mean who wouldn't want the power company to owe THEM money instead of the other way around. But seriously, it's hilarious how we all think solar is just for people with money to burn when in reality it's just good math. Cold climate performance actually gets better in winter because panels work more efficiently when they're not baking in 100 degree heat. Snow reflects extra light onto them too which is a bonus nobody talks about. So yeah, the Pearl District house is basically sticking it to the man and saving cash while doing it.

dakotawood1d ago

That Portland house is awesome, but my buddy in Minnesota had a net zero place that just got hit by a derecho and now his roof looks like a giant solar panel puzzle.