BEopt: Software for Identifying Optimal Building Designs on the Path to Zero Net Energy; Preprint

A zero net energy (ZNE) building produces as much energy on-site as it uses on an annual basis -- using a grid-tied, net-metered photovoltaic (PV) system and active solar. The optimal path to ZNE extends from a base case to the ZNE building through a series of energy-saving building designs with minimal energy-related owning and operating costs. BEopt is a computer program designed to findoptimal building designs along the path to ZNE. A user selects from among predefined options in various categories to specify options to be considered in the optimization. Energy savings are calculated relative to a reference. The reference can be either a user-defined base-case building or a climate-specific Building America Benchmark building automatically generated by BEopt. The user can alsoreview and modify detailed information on all available options and the Building America Benchmark in a linked options library spreadsheet.