Optimization of net-zero energy solar communities: Effect of uncertainty due to occupant factors

This paper applies an energy optimization methodology to evaluate the impact of occupant factors on the net-energy consumption or generation of a community of net-zero energy or near net-zero energy homes located in Montreal, Quebec. The building simulation software EnergyPlus was used for energy simulations and Canadian national statistics were used to model occupant behaviour. Results showed that diversifying building designs can decrease the impact of variability of occupant behaviour and reduce peak loads.