Cost Effectiveness of the Zero-Net Energy Passive House

Abstract

Abstract The authors main idea is to build energy plus buildings by means of architectural processes to design passive houses according to the Darmstadt Standard with additional equipment powered by renewable energy. The article presents a comparative financial analysis of passive house buildings with an additional source of power to charge electric cars in Poland and the United States. The analysis is based on market data while also taking into consideration inflation and increases in energy costs. The methodology is based on the calculations required by USA banks for obtaining credit. The emphasis is also on the distinction between commonly used term passive house and the term passive house in accordance with the Darmstadt Standard. The authors are introducing a new terminology to define buildings wrongly named as “passive”. Now Authors will name them Pseudo-Passive Buildings. The research shows that it is profitable to construct nearly zero-energy buildings with photovoltaic installation and the discounted rate on return of investment does not exceed the mortgage length.