KB Home unveiled the net zero energy ZeroHouse 2.0 in San Antonio, Texas this week as part of the next generation of energy-efficient home designs.
ZeroHouse is aptly names because of it's net zero energy design, meaning that it produces as much energy as the homeowner uses, thereby eliminating monthly utility bills.
The first ZeroHouse 2.0 model homes include solar power systems and features that enhance efficiency well beyond KB Home's Energy Star standard. These homes have now opened in the Tampa, San Antonio and 
Austin, Texas markets. The national rollout of ZeroHouse 2.0 to more KB Home communities will continue through 2012.
"Thousands of KB homeowners are already enjoying savings on their monthly energy costs thanks to our standard Energy Star qualified homes," said Jeffrey Mezger, president and chief executive officer of KB Home. "With the introduction of the ZeroHouse 2.0 program, we are now able to offer homebuyers a home that outperforms typical new and resale homes, reduces their monthly electric bill significantly and potentially gets it all the way down to zero."
In Tampa, the ZeroHouse model features a solar thermal and solar PV 5.9 kW system and has a minus 5 HERS rating, which is exceptional. This means that the home generates a surplus of solar energy under 
normal operating conditions. This excess solar power can be sold back to the utility company to give homeowners another boost against energy costs.
The ZeroHouse 2.0 offers higher efficiency is the result of a whole-home approach, from the inside out, that begins with increased insulation, upgraded HVAC systems and dual-pane, low-e windows and ends with solar panels on the roof.
For more information, see our Green Home Plans research center.
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