Buildings that rely on reducing losses tend to be more robust than buildings that are solar. The basic idea about the passive house was to improve energy efficiency so far that the mechanics are simplified and you can get rid of radiators and save money, which can be spent on even more efficiency. |
These are different climates and there is more solar radiation in the United States than Germany. You might have an overall climate comparable to Boston, but with less solar radiation. The sun shines less in Hanover. |
We found out that electricity use is twice as high in the United States, than in Germany. It makes it easier to keep a building warm with all those appliances, but it is something that should really be reduced. |