I came across a couple of very interesting videos that illustrate just how Zero Energy Homes are no longer just a curiosity and are entering full-scale production.
A couple of things jumped out at me from this first video, besides the amazingly well organized construction techniques... First was the use of combination
solar PV and solar heat in the same panel, and second was the fact that the excess energy from the house could be used to power an electric car. How great is that??!!
EDIT:
I found an
indestructible were some guy sucessfully built a hybrid PV & Thermal solar panel!
Also
THIS
I like this second video because it indicates how production techniques can be applied to greatly upgrade energy waste on row houses. Also, careful observation will reveal techniques that can be incorporated into new construction by anyone.
Best,
-AC