Energy Self-Sufficient Homes in Northern California
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD’s) Advantage Home program requires a home to consume 25-50 percent less energy for cooling than the existing state energy code allows. When coupled with rooftop solar cells, these Solar Advantage homes are nearly energy self-sufficient on an annual basis. A Solar Advantage Home can result in $450 in yearly energy cost savings for homeowners.