An Earth Advantage Zero Energy Ready Community in Ashland Puts Up BIG Numbers

January 26, 2018 | By: Ryan Shanahan

Verde Village, LLC is currently developing Phase 2 (24 home sites) in Ashland OR due to the thriving success of Phase 1 right next door. Of the 24 home sites in Phase 1, so far 19 Earth Advantage Zero Energy Ready certified homes have been built between Suncrest Homes and KDA Homes. Of those 19 homes, 5 homeowners have installed solar photovoltaic systems that can generate all the energy they use on an annual basis to provide a true zero energy home. What's more, all of the homes utilize 2x6 wall construction with double pane windows. How did they do it?

Site plan Verde VillageVerde Village was developed to provide maximum solar access to all of the home sites. In other words, no homes or trees shade another home. Home designs are modest and range from roughly 1200 sq ft to 1800 sq ft and feature roofs designed to maximize solar photovoltaic production. These include nearly ideal pitch, large eaves, and minimum roof penetrations through the areas of the roof where solar panels will be located. The homes average 2.5 ACH50 blower door scores, and feature upgraded insulation and windows, but nothing outside of similar insulation and window packages we see on Platinum certified Earth Advantage homes in the Portland and Bend areas. 

Ask your Earth Advantage green building consultant to evaluate your next subdivision or home site for Earth Advantage Zero Energy Ready potential. You might be surprised how within reach this pinnacle of achievement can be!