Pilot Homes
Low Residence
East Hill, Vernon BC
Deeply committed to creating a home free of emissions, Tamara Low was excited to switch to systems that use and generate electricity.
2,200 sq ft home built in 1972
Retrofits: May 2024
Total annual solar power generation:
12,128 kWh
Total emissions saved:
4 tons per year
RESULTS AND WHAT THEY LOVE THE MOST NOW
What was most important
Pilot participant Tamara Low had a goal to completely eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and move away from fossil fuels—plus generate enough solar power on her own to fuel more efficient electric systems.
Clean energy solutions
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Geothermal system with electrical backup system
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Hybrid electric hot water tank
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Solar photovoltaic system to power all appliances and new heating equipment
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Building envelope upgrades
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Level 2 EV charging outlet
Challenges that arose
Tamara Low was committed to her goal of 100% decarbonization (0 carbon emissions) and she wanted a Level 2 charger for her EV—but her home only had 100 Amp service. Working with BC Hydro, HomeZero teams used historic load calculations to see how much power the home actually used, which was far lower than the theoretical maximum. The teams installed all the systems without being required to complete a service upgrade – a major accomplishment that reduces impact on our electrical grid.