Naperville's first 'Net-Zero Home' Open for Public to Tour

Naperville’s first-ever net-zero home will be open for the public to tour for a couple more days.

What is a net-zero home? The “eco-smart home” at 632 Knoch Knolls Road in Naperville features a solar power array consisting of 40 roof mounted solar panels, drywall that cleans the air, no-mow grass and native landscaping, according to a DJK Custom Homes press release.

Net zero energy mean the home will produce more energy onsite than it uses and the excess energy will then be sold back to the utility company for use in other homes.

Kevin Kittilsen, the vice president of DJK Custom Homes, designed and built the 3,280-square foot home for himself but “has opened his doors to the public to showcase all of the energy efficient homes that DJK Homes builds in the area,” said Mat Borej, marketing manager for DJK Custom Homes, in an e-mail.

DJK Custom Homes, which is based in Plainfield, will host tours of the home from July 28 through Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to to 8 p.m.

During a grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremony, over 350 visitors, including Naperville Mayor Pradel, visited the home. In the first weeks of the open house, as many as 150 people toured the home each day.

The home has 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.

Visit DJK Homes website for more information