zero net energy Archives - Michaels Energy

Jan 27

Zero Net Cost for Zero Net Energy – Melt the Calf

By Jeff Ihnen Energy Rant No Comments

Have you ever thrown a cat into the deep end of a swimming pool? Neither have I, but I bet they wouldn’t like it. Likewise, status-quo program evaluators will not like what’s coming down the pike for several reasons, starting with one in this post for residential and commercial new construction programs. A few weeks ago, I read a post from fellow small-time blogger (speak for yourself, Jeff) Joel Gilbert. His topic was low carbon foods. He wrote, “But, I offer this observation : I have never seen such a groundswell of enthusiasm around these ideas. Perhaps it is being…

Mar 25

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Rooftop Solar’s Tiger by the Tail

By Jeff Ihnen Energy Rant 3 Comments

Four years after I explained why distributed rooftop solar on every home bucks every successful ongoing business trend in existence, Keith Dennis proves it in Public Utilities Fortnightly. His article: NOT Zero Energy. The vehicle for Mr. Dennis’ flatulent beef is zero net energy – or ZNE as it is known in the jargon language – homes. However, it is not the design of the ZNE home, which is uber fuel efficient: uber insulated, ventilation energy recovery, and efficient equipment. It is a fallacy that a ZNE, when equipped with solar generation, is good for society or net emissions. The…