Our Journey Toward Net Zero: Energy Efficiency, Solar Investment, and Real Savings
A view of the front of our house in the evening with light snow.
At North10VT, we’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint and creating a more sustainable home. While we haven’t fully achieved net zero, our energy efficiency upgrades and solar installation have brought us significantly closer to balancing our energy consumption with renewable production. In this post, we’ll share the steps we’ve taken, the costs involved, and the meaningful financial and environmental benefits we’re already experiencing.
Why We Chose to Go Net Zero
When we started looking at ways to reduce our environmental footprint, energy efficiency was a clear path forward. Net zero isn’t just about cutting utility bills—it’s about living in harmony with our planet. By reducing our energy consumption and installing renewable energy, we’re making a long-term investment in sustainability.
The Energy Efficiency Upgrades We Made
Our first step was a comprehensive energy audit, which highlighted the key areas where we could improve:
Insulation and Air Sealing: We added extra insulation to the attic and walls, and sealed drafts around doors, windows, and other points where heat could escape. This simple step has made a huge difference in maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round.
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps: We installed two energy-efficient heat pumps to handle the heating and cooling in our main living areas. This upgrade provides a highly efficient solution for most of the year while reducing our reliance on oil. Our existing oil heating system remains in place for the basement and as a backup option for particularly cold winter days, offering both redundancy and flexibility.
Smart Thermostat: Installing a smart thermostat gave us greater control over heating and cooling. Now, we can adjust settings remotely and fine-tune usage based on when we’re home or away.
Solar Panels: To cover our electricity needs, we installed a 24-panel, 8.10kW ground-mounted solar array. These panels produce approximately 11,311 kWh annually, offsetting a substantial portion of our electricity consumption.
The Financial Investment and Cost Savings
Transforming our home into an energy-efficient haven came with upfront costs, but we view it as an investment in both our future and the planet’s health.
Energy Efficiency Improvements: Insulation, air sealing, heat pump installation, and the smart thermostat cost a total of $11,040. By taking advantage of rebates and incentives, we reduced our out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
Solar Investment: Our solar panel system had a total cost of $34,344.80. After applying the federal tax credit of $8,929.65, our net investment was $25,415.15.
Total Investment
Combined Investment in Efficiency and Solar: $36,455.15
Annual Cost Savings
Since completing these upgrades, we’ve reduced our energy bills by about $2,942 annually. Additionally, our solar panels generate electricity at a cost of $0.107 per kWh, which is considerably lower than local grid prices. Based on current projections and a 3.5% average annual increase in electric rates, we anticipate saving $75,224.82 over 25 years.
Environmental Impact: Carbon Emissions Reduction
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond finances. We’re proud to say that these changes have had a significant impact on our carbon footprint:
Annual CO₂ Emissions Reduction: 14,886 pounds, which is comparable to planting over 100 trees each year or driving 1,500 fewer miles.
Energy Consumption Reduction: We’ve lowered our annual energy use by 66%, bringing it down to 28.54 MMBtu. For a home of our size (3,071 square feet), this is remarkably efficient.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
Reaching net zero is an ongoing journey, but we’re thrilled with the results so far. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and creating a home that generates its own clean energy, we’re building a lifestyle that aligns with our values and contributes to a healthier planet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering energy efficiency upgrades or solar for your home, start with an energy audit to pinpoint the best improvements. And don’t forget to explore rebates and incentives to help offset costs. Our journey has shown us that while the initial investment can seem significant, the financial and environmental returns make it a worthwhile pursuit.
For those in Vermont looking to embark on a similar journey, we highly recommend exploring the resources and programs offered by Zero Energy Now and Efficiency Vermont. These organizations provide valuable guidance, incentives, and support to help you achieve your energy efficiency goals.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey toward sustainability here at North10VT—because if we give to the earth, she’ll continue to give to us all.
