LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    Active
    Japan
    General

    Net Zero Energy House (ZEH) Support Program (Japan)

    National subsidies for building or purchasing newly constructed net-zero energy residential homes in Japan.

    Available Amount

    Up to 1,000,000 JPY per house

    Start Date

    Ongoing

    End Date

    Ongoing

    Eligibility

    Homeowners building new houses that meet ZEH standards through certified contractors.

    Eligible Upgrades & Scope

    High insulation envelopeSolar PV panelsHEMS (Home Energy Management Systems)High-efficiency HVAC

    Policy Context & Overview

    Short Answer: Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), this subsidy supports building homes that generate more energy than they consume.

    Japan's Net Zero Energy House (ZEH) Support Program is a national initiative designed to promote energy-efficient housing. Under Japan's Basic Energy Plan, the government aims for the majority of newly constructed homes to meet ZEH standards. Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and administered by the Sustainable open Innovation Initiative (SII), the program provides direct subsidies to help homeowners cover the cost of high-efficiency building envelopes, smart energy systems, and solar PV.

    ZEH Tiers & Subsidy Values

    The subsidy amount is based on the specific ZEH performance standard achieved by the property:

    ZEH Category Performance Requirements Base Subsidy Value
    Standard ZEH Net energy savings ≥ 100% (including solar PV generation) 550,000 JPY
    ZEH+ Net energy savings ≥ 100% + EV charger or advanced HEMS 1,000,000 JPY
    Nearly ZEH Net energy savings ≥ 75% (for areas with limited sunlight) 550,000 JPY

    Homeowners can receive additional bonuses for installing battery storage systems (up to 20,000 JPY per kWh of capacity).

    ZEH Building Standards

    To qualify for ZEH subsidies, homes must combine passive design and active technology to balance their energy use:

    1. Thermal Insulation: High-performance wall insulation and double or triple-glazed windows to meet regional thermal transmittance limits (U-value).
    2. Energy Generation: Rooftop solar PV panels sized to offset the home's annual primary energy consumption.
    3. Energy Management: Installing a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) to monitor and optimize appliance electricity use.
    4. High-Efficiency Equipment: High-performance heat pump air conditioners and hot water systems.

    Step-by-Step Application Guide

    1. Select ZEH Certified Builder: Hire a home builder or architect registered on the SII's official ZEH builder directory (ZEH Builder/Planner).
    2. Design ZEH Compliant Home: The builder designs the home's thermal envelope and solar capacity, submitting energy simulations to verify compliance.
    3. Apply to SII: Submit the subsidy application to the SII before starting construction work.
    4. Construction & Inspection: Complete construction using the approved ZEH design.
    5. Submit Completion Report: Submit the final energy compliance report to the SII to claim the cash subsidy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Q: Can I apply if my house has limited roof space for solar panels?
      • A: Yes. For properties in dense urban areas with limited sunlight or small roofs, the program offers the "Nearly ZEH" category, which only requires a 75% net energy reduction.
    • Q: What is a HEMS system?
      • A: A HEMS (Home Energy Management System) is a central hub that monitors and displays your home's electricity generation and consumption, helping you optimize energy use.

    Ready to Apply?

    Visit the official program website to check your eligibility, find application forms, and get the most up-to-date information.

    Visit Official Program Site

    Other Programs You May Qualify For

    Active

    Kyutoki (Water Heater) Subsidy (Japan)

    Government grants encouraging the replacement of old boilers with high-efficiency residential heat pumps (EcoCute).

    Up to 150,000 JPY