Highly efficient residential solar housing

摘要

With the start of the new century, trends were emerging that would affect residential house design and construction. The most important trend being that of improved thermal insulation (reduced heat losses), low energy consumption, low cost and use of recycled materials. A very important factor is the reduction of CO_2 emissions related to the use of new materials in house construction and operation. One of the most promising options is the application of advanced solar energy systems for electricity and heat generation. A realistic solution to achieve this reduction is the development of residential houses that are equipped with their own solar-based energy generating system combined with energy storage and reliable backup system. Incorporating more sophisticated designs iN house construction can produce a zero net energy house in cold climate regions like Canada possible.