A comprehensive feasibility study of applying solar energy to design a zero energy building for a typical home in Tehran

• Large south-facing glazed windows increases heat gain and sunlight absorption.
• Roller shading and Trombe-wall play a vital role in reduction of house load.
• Absorption heat pump uses optimized combination of flat-plate and evacuated collectors.
• Fiber optics is used to transmit daylight to different zones of the house.
• Economical analysis is studied based on interest rate and energy cost.

In this paper, a comprehensive feasibility study of solar zero energy building for a typical detached house in Tehran is investigated. This house is designed with respect to a moderately warm climate and a family of four members. Using meteorological data, house loads are calculated. Substantial part of total heating and cooling load is provided by applying Trombe-wall, roller shading and thermal mass as main passive strategies. A solar absorption heat pump is utilized to supply both heating and cooling demands. An optimization is done to determine the appropriate combination of flat-plate and evacuated collectors. Domestic hot water demand is also supplied through the common tank. Fiber optics provides the lighting by transmitting natural sunlight to the inner spaces of the house. DIALux 4.1 is used to model the lighting system. Photovoltaic panels are chosen to generate electricity that is stored in batteries. Remaining energy is sent to the grid. Regarding environmental features, rate of reduction of released CO2 to the atmosphere is calculated per house. Finally, by exploiting present worth method, rate of return is discussed with respect to present energy cost. Sensitivity analysis shows that only with actual prices of energy and low interest rate, the investment is justified.