Japan experimental 'Eco-house' cuts electricity by 88%

An experimental housing unit inJapan using solar panels, a storage battery and a fuel cell, was able to cut annual electricity costs by 88 percent.

Thi was reported by Osaka Gas Co. and Sekisui House Ltd., who aim to begin marketing the "eco-house" system by 2015, after lowering the equipment costs, particularly for the storage batteries, which cost around ¥10 million.

From July 2011 to June 2012, the three-member household reduced its power costs to 584 kwh, from 4,830 kwh during the prior 12 months after their house was refitted with the panels.

Automatic regulators to operate fans and power curtains also contributed to cost reduction by bringing cool air into the 138.8 sq.-meter house in the summer, and opening curtains during the day in winter to take advantage of the sunlight, the companies said.

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