What is better: Zero-Net Energy or Community Solar?

Zero Net energy buildings promise structures that are self-efficient and rely on their own sources of power to supply energy to its occupants. As the trend becomes more and more popular, and residential and commercial builders emphasize and design buildings with zero-net capabilities, some have begun to question whether this process is really as efficient and sustainable as first thought.

For example, America’s Electric Cooperative published an article in July of 2018 discussing the benefits of zero-net energy buildings versus electric cooperatives. The article states that cooperatives, such as community solar, tend to be more efficient than zero-net energy buildings. Cooperatives tend to look and approach the energy question in a broader system and thus are better equipped to deliver a solution at scale. According to a study published by Brattle Group, community solar can deliver 35-35% more efficiency and thus achieve greater cost savings in the long-run and can provide greater carbon monoxide reductions.

While the article makes some good points, and presents interesting information, the ultimate publisher is, in fact, an electric cooperative. They are more likely to promote the advantages of community solar and other similar cooperatives. What is lacking is any discussion of limits of the cooperatives. In fact, the report they cite, though created by The Brattle Group, seems to have been created for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and thus is unlikely to discuss the shortcomings of cooperatives in any deep framework, somewhat limiting the superior claims they’re making regarding the shortcomings of zero-net energy buildings.

Make your own opinion by reading the original news article here: https://www.electric.coop/zero-net-energy-buildings-theyre-cracked/