Abstract :
This study explores the feasibility of solar Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) systems for a typical single family home in the mild
southern European climate zone. Using dynamic thermal simulation of two representative detached house geometries, solar collector
systems are sized in order to meet all annual energy needs. The impact of variations in building envelope, occupant behavior and domestic
appliance efficiency on final energy demand and solar NZEB system size is analyzed. After sizing a set of solar thermal (ST) and
photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, an analysis was performed to identify the best system configuration from a financial and environmental
perspective. The cost and performance of the NZEB system shows low sensitivity to the size of the ST system, whenever solar hot water is
used to its maximum. The introduction in the analysis of a micro-generation government incentive scheme shows great potential for
financially attractive NZEB homes in this climate zone.
2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
