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Getting Started: The NZE Certified Process

Step 1
Free NZE Certified Assessment
The first step towards a Net Zero Energy home is to assess if the home design can provide sufficient surface of un-shaded, south facing exposure for a roof, rack or trellis solar electric system installation. NZE Certified has devised ratios between house square footage and required solar electric surface area for different types of homes to assess if a home design qualifies for Net Zero Energy design. To receive a FREE evaluation , email us your plans and we will respond with a calculation of the solar square footage required for your project.

Step 2
If your project qualifies for Net Zero Energy, we will provide a written proposal for the scope of consultation with expected costs.

The process is similar and often piggybacks the New Solar Home Partnership. The NSHP is a California utility funded program that gives a large financial incentive (roughly one third of the cost) to new home builders that are installing grid tie solar electric systems. The steps shown below with an asterisked are required by NSHP in order for you to receive the incentive. NZE Certified adds several important steps to insure that your home is truly net zero energy.

 

1   Calculation: If the client accepts our proposal, they will submit Title 24 energy compliance documentation completed by a CEPE (Certified Energy Plans Examiner)showing that the building beat the state energy code by at least 15%*. If the calcs have not been completed our sister company Monterey Energy Group, Inc. is a CEPE and can do the calcs for an additional charge.
2   Consultation: Receive and review you custom Net Zero Energy use plan algorithm. This is an interactive client consultation to determine the variations between the standard load profiles estimated by Doe and the actual demand estimated by the client.. This document helps us determine actual future energy use. At this time client can also submit any specific energy consumption requirements. We can now size the solar system.
3   Design: Submit your mechanical design showing size and specifications for your heating, cooling, domestic hot water and solar system. This can be produced by a California contractor licensed in the appropriate trade or by a licensed California Engineer but the equipment schedule must meet the requirements of the overall NZE Certified plan.. Our sister company Monterey Energy Group, Inc. is a mechanical engineering company and can provide the mechanical specs and solar design for an additional fee.
4   Verification: During construction third party HERS inspections are required determine actual home performance with an insulation quality, blower door, and duct blaster operation, as required..
5   Documentation: After inspections and installation of energy related systems CF-4R forms (results of HERS inspections) and CF-6R forms (signed document by installing contractor for insulation levels, windows performance, HVAC efficiency etc.) submitted to both NSHP and NZE Certified*.
6   Certification: NZE Certified reviews mechanical design and compliance forms. Once completed NZE Certified issues the full documentation file and certificate.