New net-zero Solar Farmhouse from Deltec generates all its own energy

The new Solar Farmhouse contains everything the quintessential home possesses -- the quaint front porch, the white wood siding, the gabled roof, and the simple lines -- updated with a slew of net-zero features, including a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/passive-solar/" target="_blank">passive solar design</a>, air-tight building envelope, and open plan.

Every model in <a href="http://www.deltechomes.com/renew-collection/" target="_blank">Deltec's Renew Collection</a> is dedicated to achieving net-zero energy independence. Built with traditional passive design concepts, these homes are fitted with an air-tight building envelope, high-performance insulation, natural air ventilation and solar shading. This allows each home to stay naturally cool in the summer and achieve the maximum insulation and solar heat gain possible in winter. Without needing much energy to cool and heat these homes, they can be powered by photovoltaic solar array alone, successfully achieving Net Zero energy.

The open layout of the Solar Farmhouse is the designed with the kitchen, dining and living room all in one sprawling space. <a href="http://www.deltechomes.com/" target="_blank">Deltec</a> supplies the shell of the home, with the option of several amenities that can be added to the homeowners liking.

Optional amenities include a 240 square foot covered back porch, metal roof, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/ventilation/" target="_blank">fresh air ventilation</a>, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/passive-solar/" target="_blank">passive solar</a> awnings, and detached carport or garage. Buyers can also choose from pre-installed window packages and pre-stained siding packages.

Deltec also provides energy modeling to help homeowners select the best energy-efficient features for their home's specific climate. The bare bones shell of the Solar Farmhouse starts at around $62,000, while a finished home will likely range between $300k-400k.

Deltec is also releasing a new version of their net-zero Ridgeline home with an even smaller footprint than the original.

Measuring at just 1232 square feet, the Ridgeline E use two-thirds less energy than conventional homes and their slim structure fits well within a narrow lot.

The <a href="http://www.deltechomes.com/renew-collection/aster/" target="_blank">Aster Home</a> is another model within Deltec’s net-zero <a href="http://www.deltechomes.com/renew-collection/" target="_blank">Renew Collection</a>, representing the traditional shotgun house design with an added porch and optional timber-framed pavilion.

At 2126 square feet, Deltec’s original Ridgeline is the most spacious net-zero, solar-powered home in their Renew Collection. The Ridgeline features passive solar design and several large windows for abundant daylighting.

Deltec’s Trillium combines their net-zero and hurricane-resistant round designs with a classic square home. Daylight floods inside the Craftsman-style, two-story solar cottage that features several southern facing glass windows.

<a href="http://www.deltechomes.com/renew-collection/chestnut/" target="_blank">The Chestnut</a> is a classically designed net-zero home in Deltec's Renew Collection. The solar-powered home boasts an open floor plan and a generous porch.

Deltec’s <a href="http://www.deltechomes.com/renew-collection/rhododendron/" target="_blank">Rhododendron</a> is a weather-resistant round home with the added bonus of solar power.