A net-zero apartment complex was recently opened in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY. The construction of this sustainable building was put on hold by hurricane Sandy, which hit when the building was already under construction. According to Robert Scarano, the architect who designed the Bright ’n Green project, as it is called, did not suffer major damage, and the net-zero building was able to supply power to the neighborhood via extension cords during the aftermath of Sandy.
The building features a number of sustainable technologies, which allow it to generate enough power to take care of the occupants’ needs and sell some back to the grid. To achieve this, the building was fitted with a roof top mounted solar panel array and features an EarthLinked Technologies geothermal system. In the future, they also plan to install wind turbines, though even without this technology, the building will have a monthly electricity bill of minus $6,000, according to Scarano.
But that’s not it for the sustainable features this building can boast of. The apartments are all fitted with hardwood floors reclaimed from disused shipping containers, from which I hope the toxic pesticides were thoroughly removed. The units are also equipped with highly efficient appliances as well as an advanced air filtration and ventilation system. All the countertops in the apartments are made by IceStone, which is a local Brooklyn company that uses recycled glass in their products.
Question: When a building has an electricity bill of minus $6,000 does that mean the electric company owes them that money since they are basically generating energy? Or is there no bill? Does that energy go back into the grid or is it recycled and saved for that particular building?
It depends on how it’s set up. A building can store its own energy in batteries for times when the sun is not shinning (expensive), or it can be connected to the main grid (ideal). If it’s connected to the grid, the owner usually has 1 of 2 options. First, the home owner sends all energy into the grid directly, it is metered up and then sent a check. The home owner then buys all of their needs from the energy supplier. (not so great). End of transaction.
Second, they could be compensated for the use delta. They supply 1000 watts, but use 800 watts, therefore the electricity supplier provides a check for 200 watts. Additionally, if they use 1200 watts, they are charged for the 200 watts they used in excess of what they provided.