Zero Energy Home… and it’s only $200,000! I’ll take it!

http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/?p=239

This house produces as much energy as it consumes in a year and combines "renewable energy technologies with advanced energy-efficient construction."

Everything from solar power, to ground source heat pumps, to a tankless water heater. It's designed to be efficient and use natural resources to draw power.

If modern houses could use just some of the techniques used to make this house efficient, we'd be saving a ton of energy.

I can't say that I use too many energy saving techniques, but I do use flouresent light bulbs and don't really use all that much energy. My laptop only draws as much power as a regular light bulb. But, it's not like I can buy solar panels and a ground heat pump because I rent. However, it is something I'd consider for when I do have a house.  Sometimes small things like good insulation and turning lights out when you aren't using them save lots of energy and money! With rising gas and energy prices, it pays to be a little more conservative (environmentally, not politically). 

Here's the specs of the house.