Health & Fitness

5 Best Ways to Go Zero-Energy At Home

1 HOT-WATER PANELS

What: Dawn Solar, a new water-heating technology that is hidden under a roof or solar panels (see “Solar Roof” on page 135). dawnsolar.com

How it works: Ever leave a hose out in the sun? Well, this is exactly the same idea. The solar thermal system is a series of panels installed under the roof, which feature hidden tubes filled with nontoxic antifreeze. Once roasted by the sun, the liquid is pumped down to help heat your water tank.

Cost: Starts at $8,000

Savings: Up to 30 percent of the cost of heating water by traditional means


2 SOLAR ROOF

What: Sunslates
by Atlantis Energy. Technically called building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), they’re solar panels integrated into traditional slate roofing tiles. atlantisenergy.org