Going Green Off The Grid

"Zero Energy Building" and "Going Off The Grid"; expect to hear those phrases more and more frequently.

But what do they mean and are they the same thing?
According to Wikipedia:

"Zero Energy Buildings" (ZEBs), at least in the United States, are when the amount of energy provided by on-site sources is equal to the amount of energy used by the building. They are still connected to an off-site energy source and sometimes sell energy back to the utility company.

"Off The Grid" buildings are stand-alone ZEBs - not connected to an off-site energy utility facility. They require distributed renewable energy generation and energy storage capability.

Either way owning a building with a net energy consumption of zero over a typical year would be nice. Imagine not only having your home paid for by the time you retire, but also having your utilities paid for...it would make those senior years a little easier to enjoy.

Doug Rempel in Canada is building his home with this in mind. Visit his blog and see how Enercept structural insulated roof panels are playing a key role in his new home: http://goinggreenoffthegrid.wordpress.com/