Closer Look: SCE’s First ZNE Home Retrofit Demonstration

SCE’s first demonstration showcase of a ZNE Home Retrofit project, which is located in San Bernardino, California is slated to begin construction in January 2011.  The SCE Design & Engineering Services team is currently assessing the selected residence and identifying potential ways to increase energy efficiency within the home.  Here are a few “before” pictures of the home and the possible improvements that will be made over the course of the project.

 

Zero Net Energy Demonstration Showcase Home
in San Bernardino, California, prior to construction
Southern California Edison’s Design & Engineering Services’ Emerging Technologies Team with the homeowner’s son. 
L-R: Paul Delaney-DES, Nasim Yalpin-DES, Gregg Ander-DES,
Mr. Jamal Abdullah-homeowner's son, Dave Rivers-DES

Street-facing façade of the house

Potential energy efficiency opportunities include improvements to wall insulation and upgraded window systems.

A view of the attic

This reveals the existing blown-in insulation which was matted down (reducing its effectiveness).

Heater and Air Conditioners

A high-efficiency, central heating, ventilating and air conditioning system would be a good option to resolve the inefficiencies of the existing heater and the five window air-conditioning units used for conditioning the home.

  Outdoor lighting

An audit of lighting identified the energy usage from the existing interior and exterior lighting systems. The exterior lighting consisted of five 150 watt mercury vapor fixtures (one shown above). These will most likely be replaced with new CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) or LED (light emitting diode) flood-style fixtures.



Introducing the Zero Net Energy Blog

Southern California Edison is proud to introduce the Zero Net Energy blog, documenting industry-leading work for sustainable homes and businesses.  By following the day-to-day progress of SCE's Demonstration Showcase projects, you'll learn of energy efficiency solutions and renewable measures that you can implement in your own home or business. 

The first demonstration showcase home retrofit project is a residence in San Bernardino, California.  The 1962 vintage, 1,550-square foot single-story home was selected due to its compact footprint, window-mounted air-conditioning units, roof area and orientation -- all providing an ideal framework to make energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. That helps the residents with lower monthly utility bills, and the environment by reducing the demand for electricity.

The home is in need of several energy efficiency upgrades to its insulation, roofing, electrical, lighting, heating/air conditioning system, windows and doors.  Check this blog for updates on the transformation of this home to a zero net energy showcase.