Hickory, NC -- Catawba Valley Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to celebrate the completion of the first Zero Energy Home in North Carolina with a dedication ceremony on August 11, 2005 at 11 am. The Catawba Valley Habitat for Humanity is constructing the home in Ridgeview Village, located near the downtown area.

A Zero Energy Home (ZEH) combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems. With its reduced energy needs and renewable energy systems, a ZEH returns as much energy as it takes from the utility grid on an annual basis.

Catawba Valley Habitat for Humanity teamed up with the Appalachian State University Department of Technology and Energy Center through a grant from the State Energy Office to receive technical and financial support on the project. The Zero Energy Home that is being constructed will include high performance, energy efficient and “green” construction techniques.



It will feature passive solar design, including south-facing widows, thermal mass to help heat the home in winter, properly sized overhangs to shade the sun in summer. A geothermal heat pump will provide the remainder of the heating and cooling needs efficiently by taking advantage of the Earth’s temperature. A solar water heating system located on the roof will supply most of the hot water needs. The home also has recycled tile, high performance windows and the most energy efficient appliances available.

All of these details add up to a home that is extremely energy efficient, saves the homeowner money every month in reduced utility bills, has excellent indoor air quality and high comfort levels. The home will meet the standards of the national Energy Star Home program as well as North Carolina’s green building program, NC HealthyBuilt Homes. The home will also qualify for System Vision, a statewide program that guarantees maximum heating and cooling bills.

The renewable energy system consists of 4,500 watts of photovoltaic panels. The power the system produces will be sold to the NC Green Power program for $.18 a kilowatt hour. This unique home will be used as a demonstration the first year. Tours are available. For more information contact Habitat for Humanity Catawba Valley at 828-326-4663 or Appalachian State University Department of Technology Energy Center at 828-262-7289.