WPPI Energy's GreenMax Home initiative is designed to encourage homeowners in member utility service territories to build or remodel homes that use reliable, sustainable energy systems. (Builders and architects are also eligible.)

The project supports the design and lifestyle choices that move a home from "highly efficient" to "net zero." A NZEH has the potential to produce as much energy as it uses, through energy-efficient construction techniques and the use of renewable energy systems.

Program funding shares the incremental cost of building a NZEH or remodeling a home to bring it to net zero. WPPI Energy will offer technical assistance and will measure the home's energy and environmental impacts following project completion.

The home designs and occupant lifestyles required to achieve net zero energy use must be replicable and appropriate for a mass market, community-based setting.

What is a "net zero energy home?"

A NZEH is connected to the electric grid that supplies the local utility with power and is designed and constructed to produce at least as much energy as it consumes. The house supplies renewable energy back to the grid in - at a minimum - an amount equal to the power the homeowner purchases from the grid, resulting in a "net zero" impact on the nation's energy supply. Any excess energy generated by the house is fed back into the grid.

This concept combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The entire energy consumption of a NZEH - heating, cooling and appliances - is provided by renewable energy sources.

How does the WPPI Energy GreenMax Home program work?

• WPPI Energy solicits proposals from individuals, builders or architects interested in building a net zero home.



• One or more proposals are selected to receive funding from WPPI Energy to cover part of the incremental cost of designing and building a NZEH over the cost of constructing a conventional house. Since homeowners gain direct benefits from living in a GreenMax Home, they are expected to pay a portion of the incremental cost.



• Only homes built in the service area of one of WPPI Energy's member utilities are eligible for funding.



• The home designs and occupant lifestyles required to achieve net zero energy status must be replicable and appropriate for a mass market, community-based setting.



• WPPI Energy documents the building process, measures energy and environmental impacts and publicizes the findings.



• Homeowners are asked to share the house for a few tours and to be spokespeople for the technology and lifestyle choices.