Net-Zero-Ready is a term used to describe a home or building that has utilized energy-efficient building strategies to reduce its energy needs and also has enough roof space to accommodate a solar electric energy system to produce the energy it will need.

In other words, a home that can potentially produce as much energy as it uses would have a “net-zero” energy impact and be considered a “net-zero-ready” home.

The difference between a home being “net zero ready” and “net zero” is the occupants. When it comes to what we plug into our walls, how we use hot water, and how much time we spend in our homes, we are all different.

The solar options for the Net Zero Ready homes at IDYLE come with real-time energy consumption monitoring so you can see how much energy you are using while you use it, and become the net zero energy occupants your home is ready for you to be. In order for an IDYLE home to be truly Net-Zero, future homebuyers will have to invest in eco-friendly upgrades outlined by SEM.

Validation and monitoring is supplied by Southern Energy Management.

We quantify the environmental impact based on how much energy is saved compared to standard code-compliant construction. This is done via real-time monitoring & measuring your HERS (Home Energy Rating Score) rating.

When we look at the total cost of ownership (the cost to purchase and live in the home), homes with sustainable features can cost less over time.

Outside of the mortgage, utility bills are often the next largest cost of living. Because the sustainable features of this home reduce its energy bills, you are able to shift money you would have spent on energy bills to your home purchase, helping you save money that otherwise would have just gone to your power bill.

Your future self will also thank you for protecting yourself against rising electric rates. Homes that do not incorporate sustainable features will only cost more to live in over time.

Every unit will contain solar panels, at least 8 solar panels per unit to be specific, generating roughly 4,233 KWH. Upgradeable plans can include 16 Solar Panels or 24 Solar Panels to achieve Net Positive Energy status or in simpler terms, to produce more energy than it consumes.

Duke Energy offers a solar credit program in North Carolina known as “net metering.” Duke Energy’s current net metering program offers a 1:1 credit on your monthly electric bill that gives you the same retail rate for the kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy you send to the grid as the rate you are charged for those kWh when you use energy from the grid.

That means when your solar system creates more energy than your home is using, that extra energy is sent back to the grid and shows up on your account as a credit. When you pull energy from the grid (like at night when the sun is not out), you will use your credits first before being charged Duke Energy’s kWh rate.

For more information on this and other forms of solar programs head to Southern Energy Management’s resources linked here.

Your Home Energy Rating Score (HERS) will vary depending on the final performance testing of the home, which will be conducted by Southern Energy Management.

HERS scores are not required by code. According to the average HERS index for Raleigh, NC, most homes report a 75-80 score.

Making a standard IDYLE plan 56% more energy efficient.

IDYLE goes well beyond what is required by code in terms of eco-friendly materials and finishes. HERS scores are not required by code.

Yes there are!

To learn more about claiming solar incentives, check out Southern Energy Management’s “Incentives 101” resource guide, found here.

Our Chappell x Compass experts are happy to dive into all the sustainable details. The features & fixtures included in these turnkey builds were curated by design experts to prioritize performance without sacrificing style.

For a full look at interior selections, materials and more - connect with our experts today!

In the meantime, our partners at Southern Energy Management have created an exhaustive resource center for those considering empowering their home’s environmentally friendly capabilities. Here comes the sun!