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What’s the Difference Between Net Zero & Net Zero Ready Homes?

If you’ve researched energy efficient homes, you’ve probably come across the terms “Net Zero” and “Net Zero Ready.” But what do they mean, and how are they different? We’re breaking down the differentiating features of a Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Home.

What is a Net Zero Home?

Net Zero Homes are defined as homes that produce as much clean energy as they consume. Up to 80% more energy efficient than typical new homes, Net Zero Homes are extremely well built with extra insulation, high-performance windows, and excellent airtightness to minimize heating and cooling needs. Appliances, lighting, and mechanical systems are all as energy efficient as possible. And to offset the remaining energy needed for the home’s annual consumption, Net Zero Homes use renewable energy systems – commonly solar – to generate electricity.

Modern two-story house with gray siding, large windows, a three-car garage, solar panels on the roof, landscaped front yard, black fence, and trees, set against a clear blue sky and distant mountains.

Modern bathroom with a large mirror, double sink vanity, glass shower, white cabinets, gray tile backsplash, bathtub, and a window letting in daylight. Contemporary lighting hangs above the mirror. This elegant space is featured in a net zero ready home—designed for high energy efficiency and sustainability. Discover the difference between net zero & net zero ready homes as you enjoy comfort without compromising on style.

A modern utility room with a furnace, electrical panel, water heater, pipes, and ventilation ducts installed against light-colored walls and floor—designed to support the efficiency of a net zero ready home.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a blue island with bar stools, pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, wood flooring, and bowls of fruit and place settings on the island countertop—crafted as part of a net zero ready home that blends contemporary style with energy-efficient design.

A two-story net zero ready house with stone and siding features double porches with white railings at dusk. The yard includes a manicured lawn, landscaping with rocks and decorative grasses, and a large sandy area in the foreground. Solar panels are on the roof.

Two colorful Adirondack chairs with glasses of red wine face a lawn, trees, and a lakeside view under a covered patio on a sunny day—a perfect setting to relax and unwind in your net zero home.

Modern kitchen with a large island, stainless steel appliances, bowl of fruit, and pendant lights; dining area and large windows with a lake view in the background—all within a stylish net zero ready home.

Modern open-concept living room and kitchen with light wood floors, a black sectional sofa, a round coffee table, and large windows showing a patio with Adirondack chairs and a pool in the background—illustrating the comfortable lifestyle possible in net zero ready homes. Discover the difference between net zero & net zero ready homes while enjoying an inviting space filled with natural light.

Net Zero Home by Bercum Builders Inc.

Modern two-story townhouse complex with brick and wood siding, multiple garages, parked cars, landscaped grass, and clear blue sky in the background—these residences are designed as net zero ready homes, blending contemporary style with energy efficiency for sustainable living.

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with several new houses, each featuring large solar panels on their roofs, surrounded by grassy fields and ongoing construction. This vibrant community highlights the growing interest in sustainable living, where buyers are increasingly seeking to understand the difference between net zero & net zero ready homes.

Modern kitchen and dining area with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a small round dining table with four chairs, a bar island with stools, and decorative plants. Designed as part of a net zero home, this space features a neutral color palette and natural light, blending energy efficiency with contemporary style.

Minimalist bedroom with a modern bed, white bedding, colorful pillows, two bedside tables with plants, tall lamps, framed wall art, dresser, and a large window letting in natural light—perfect for a net zero ready home that prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainable design.

A neatly made bed with orange and gray bedding sits in a bright, net zero ready room, next to a round side table with a lamp and a framed moose art piece on the wall. A large window lets in natural light, highlighting the sustainable features of this energy-efficient space.

Modern kitchen and dining area with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, gray countertops, a round dining table with four chairs, and a decorative mirror on a side table with plants. Light wood flooring throughout enhances the contemporary feel of this beautiful net zero home.

Net Zero Townhomes by Sifton Properties.

What is a Net Zero Ready Home?

Net Zero Ready Homes are built to the exact same efficiency standards as Net Zero Homes. The only difference is that the renewable energy system (i.e., solar panels) have not yet been installed. However, everything has already been designed and constructed to easily put the solar panels in place. Think of Net Zero Ready Homes as wired for its future renewable energy system, so that when the homeowners are able to invest in installing solar panels, it’s ready to go. This is called “PV Ready”.

Modern two-story house with stone and stucco exterior, arched entryway, black roof, double garage, front porch with seats, and manicured green lawn, set against a clear sky and trees—a stunning example that highlights the difference between net zero & net zero ready homes for those considering energy-efficient living.

Modern living room with tall stone fireplace, wall-mounted TV, two gray armchairs, gray sofa, floor lamp, large windows, and wood flooring. Minimalist decor with natural light filling the space—a perfect example of comfort and style often found in net zero ready homes. Discover the subtle difference between net zero & net zero ready homes while enjoying energy-efficient living in a space designed for modern lifestyles.

Modern living room with tall windows, a stone fireplace, and a contemporary chandelier. Stairs with wooden railings lead down to a seating area with two chairs and a small table. Bathed in bright natural light, this inviting space reflects the thoughtful design often found in net zero ready homes—built for energy efficiency and future sustainability—highlighting the difference between net zero & net zero ready homes in today’s market.

Modern kitchen with white marble countertops, black cabinets, bar stools, pendant lights, and plants. Stairs and a living area with a stone fireplace are visible in the background. Bright natural light fills the space, reflecting the thoughtful design choices of this net zero ready home.

Modern bathroom with a double sink vanity, wood cabinets, two mirrors with black frames, black faucets, tissue box, and folded towels; shower with glass door reflected in mirrors—an elegant space designed for both comfort and style. This home is net zero ready, meaning it’s built to the advanced standards that allow you to easily upgrade to true net zero performance. Discover the difference between net zero and net zero ready homes in this thoughtfully crafted setting.

Modern bathroom with a white freestanding bathtub, black faucet, and a glass shower with black frame. The walls have white textured tiles and the floor appears light-colored—an elegant design often found in today’s net zero ready homes, where energy efficiency meets contemporary style.

Modern bathroom with a large bathtub, wooden tray holding soaps and accessories, glass-enclosed shower, towels hanging on a wall rack, and artwork above the tub. Natural light brightens the clean, neutral space—perfect for a net zero home designed to maximize comfort while minimizing energy use.

Modern kitchen with black cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a large island featuring bookshelves, dog bowls, and bar stools. Designed as a net zero ready home, this space showcases pendant lights above the island while sunlight streams through windows.

Net Zero Ready Home by Oakwood Custom Homes.

Why would you choose a Net Zero Home over a Net Zero Ready Home?

Renewable energy sources like solar do have an upfront investment that some prospective homeowners aren’t yet ready to purchase. By buying a Net Zero Ready Home, you have an extremely efficient home that’s easy to upgrade to a Net Zero Home when you’re ready.

Regardless of whether you pursue the initial financial investment of the renewable energy source initially or later, both Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes are significantly more energy efficient choices than traditionally built homes. The benefits of both options include:

Exceptional Value

Your utility bills will fall to an all-time low and stay low all year round. Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes protect you from future increases in energy prices. And, built to higher standards (an airtight building envelope, improved insulation, high efficiency windows), these homes are more durable.

A Better Living Experience

Advanced construction methods and superior heating, cooling and fresh air ventilation systems mean even temperatures throughout the house, better indoor air quality (with less allergens and asthma triggers such as dust and pollen), and less outside noise, providing greater comfort and healthier living.

Environmentally Responsible

All the features of both Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes work together to significantly minimize your household’s environmental footprint by preserving our natural resources and protecting against climate change.

Investing in a Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Home means embracing an energy efficient future. If you’re interested in reducing your home’s energy consumption, a Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Home might be right for you.

To learn more about Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes or to find a Qualified Net Zero Builder or Renovator in your area, visit netzerohome.com.

Interested in the latest home and design trends? View the finalists and winners of the 2020 Net Zero Home Award in last year’s CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence here, and previous years here.