The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) will lead an effort by three companies, a utility, and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in evaluating the energy use and grid integration of a new community of at least 20 zero net energy houses, the first development of a community of highly-efficient homes in the state.

A growing number of building owners are looking to design buildings that produce as much energy as they consume each year. These so-called zero-net-energy (ZNE) buildings may sound like a pipe dream, but they’ve already become a reality in many parts of the U.S. and around the world.

After completing a historic geothermal project in 2009 for a net-zero residential development in New York, Lloyd Hamilton was ready for a new challenge. That’s exactly what he got when he was asked to devise a geothermal solution to heat and cool nine net-zero-ready homes.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced a proposed award to Robert Bosch LLC for $2,817,566 to demonstrate a high-penetration, renewable-based microgrid. With this award, Bosch will demonstrate the effectiveness of its Direct-Current Building-Scale Microgrid Platform (Bosch DC microgrid).

Zero-net-energy (ZNE) projects are becoming an increasingly popular way to save energy and showcase the green movement away from fossil fuels and carbon emissions.

Bosch has partnered with Taurus Investment Holdings, a Boston-based real estate development company, to equip a new 7,500 home master-planned net zero community outside Austin, Texas, with geothermal heat pumps, hot water systems, and Energy Star appliances.

The U.S. Army has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to increase energy security through improved energy efficiency and optimized renewable energy strategies at nine installations in the Army’s portfolio.

In collaboration with the Oak Park Unified School District, Balfour Beatty Construction installed seven net-zero modular classroom buildings made of single use containers used for ocean shipping at Oak Park High School. The project marks the first use of this type of modular building approved by the California Division of State Architect.

Aiming to reduce energy costs and minimize the carbon footprint of their buildings, governments, corporations, and home builders are pursuing zero energy building (ZEB) solutions, notes Navigant Research. Worldwide revenue from ZEBs is forecast to grow from $629 million annually in 2014 to more than $1.4 trillion in 2035.

With all of the different solar applications available, determining the best option for homeowners is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s something often done on a case-by-case basis.