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
![HVAC Icon icon of a heat pump mini split](https://svcleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/HVAC-Icon.png)
5-stage heat pump
Keep every room at the perfect temperature with this heat pump outfitted with advanced communicating thermostats
![thermo icon of smart thermometer](https://svcleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/thermo.png)
Automated Blinds
Use thermal-insulated honeycomb blinds that automatically adjust based upon temperature and direction of sunlight
![LED LED](https://svcleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/LED.png)
Smart lighting
Automatically adjust your lighting to the amount of daylight coming into the house with LED smart lighting fixtures that burn cool
![rooftop rooftop](https://svcleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/rooftop.png)
PV solar array
Turn your house into a zero net energy home
![DSC_0029[1] image of father and son outside their home](https://svcleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DSC_00291-4000x4000.jpg)
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