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Rajneesh Bajaj

Building the future with 100% clean energy

Highlights

 

Year built: 1991
Year Renovated: 2017
Location: Cupertino, CA
Type: 2-story Single Family Bungalow
Details: 5 bedrooms, 3 bath, 3078 sq. ft.

Features

icon of a heat pump mini split

5-stage heat pump
Keep every room at the perfect temperature with this heat pump outfitted with advanced communicating thermostats

icon of smart thermometer

Automated Blinds
Use thermal-insulated honeycomb blinds that automatically adjust based upon temperature and direction of sunlight

LED

Smart lighting
Automatically adjust your lighting to the amount of daylight coming into the house with LED smart lighting fixtures that burn cool

rooftop

PV solar array
Turn your house into a zero net energy home

image of father and son outside their home

Spotlight

Rajneesh Bajaj wanted his home to serve as a model for achieving the zero carbon goals that were established by California’s energy bill, SB 100, an environmental measure committing the state to running on 100% clean energy by 2045.

“I aspired to live in a home that is not only energy-optimized to the highest level, but also optimized for functionality, comfort, convenience and least impact to the environment. Being a chemical engineer, I clearly realize the challenge of becoming carbon-neutral but I believe that goal is achievable with the technology and equipment available today. If properly designed and installed, all-electric systems do not pose any challenges. In fact, the quality of living is the same or better than with other gas or hybrid systems.”

He began by installing a PV rooftop solar system, followed by a heat pump water heater and HVAC.

“A heat pump water heater does have some noise (like a refrigerator) but with appropriate location and sizing works as well as a gas-based heater. I also installed an induction cooktop, which has significant safety and efficacy advantages over natural gas stoves.

“Now my average net energy bill is $0 – 50/month, and that includes complete home heating, cooling, water heater, induction cooking, as well as charging two electric vehicles that are driven a total of approximately 15000-20000 miles per year.”

RAJNEESH BAJAJ | Homeowner