Zero peak homes: Designing for zero electric peak demand in new single family residential buildings sited in California climate zone 10

Meeting peak electric demand poses a significant challenge to electric utilities in California. The increased use of air conditioning, driven by high summer temperatures, is the primary cause of this peak demand. This thesis evaluated strategies for eliminating peak electric demand in single family residential buildings sited in California climate zone 10. Alternative building designs were analyzed using eQuest to determine the impact of different energy efficiency measures and rooftop photovoltaics on peak demand. The simulation results revealed the hourly peak demand between 2 and 5pm during the hottest three day period contained in the TMY weather data for California climate zone 10. Based on these results it was concluded that zero electric peak demand designs are technically achievable. A life cycle cost analysis indicated that these buildings are not yet cost effective and the net present value is highly sensitive to electricity tariffs and installed photovoltaic system costs. Zero peak demand residential buildings represent a key strategy in the effort to address California's grid congestion and significantly reduce the environmental impacts of peak electrical generation.