Location: Jordan Station, Ontario
Project Type: Net-Zero Residential Showcase Build
System Size: 10 kW Solar PV + Integrated Energy Systems
Purpose: Demonstration of Net-Zero Homebuilding in Southern Ontario
In 2009, Gary Vida, John Leyenhorst, Lewis Nickerson, and Woody Nickerson—came together to design and build Ontario’s first fully Net-Zero home. Located in Jordan Station, this project wasn’t just a personal challenge—it was a proof of concept. The house became a real-world demonstration of what was possible in residential energy performance and launched Informed Energy Solutions (IES) as a dedicated solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) firm.
The Niagara Net-Zero Project wasn’t commissioned by a client. It was conceived, financed, and executed by the team themselves to show that a home could meet and exceed net-zero standards using a comprehensive, integrated energy strategy. The result remains one of the highest-rated energy-efficient homes in Ontario to this day.
In 2009, “Net-Zero” was still a fringe concept in most of Ontario. There were no precedents in the Niagara region and limited access to the kinds of systems and supports available today. Building a home that would generate as much energy as it consumed—and do so reliably year after year—meant overcoming both technological and regulatory unknowns.
This was also the first microFIT solar PV system in Niagara, requiring careful coordination with utilities and municipalities to bring the vision to life.
The team approached the home as a fully integrated energy system. Every building material, system, and angle of sunlight was considered. The result is a layered, high-performance building envelope paired with multiple renewable technologies working together to minimize consumption and maximize efficiency.
The Niagara Net-Zero Home successfully generated as much energy as it consumed—achieving true Net-Zero status. It became a local landmark and an early example of how smart design, solar integration, and commitment to efficiency could redefine homebuilding in Ontario.
I have been asked to look back on this project and reflect on what it means to me personally as professionally.
The Project was conceived during the financial crisis of 2008. People had lost a lot of money in the markets, the housing market was depressed, and consumer confidence was rattled. IES was incorporated in 2009 and we got to work right away on the house. The surrounding community was very interested in what we were doing. During construction, people and other companies would come to inspect the building and assess our progress. This gave a lot of credibility to the newly formed IES.
At the same time the province was launching the Feed in tariff program where property owners could install solar panel systems and get a healthy subsidy per kwh produced. As other companies formed to meet the demand for new solar panel systems, IES stood apart with our commitment to this project. I cannot stress enough how much this project helped to propel IES through the coming years.
IES retained ownership of the house for several years as we used it as a showcase for not just solar panels, but the rest of the incorporated technologies. The house has since been sold and It still brings a smile to my face whenever I drive past it.
Since 2009 a lot of advancements in the solar industry have occurred. We can now provide the equivalent-sized system with half the panels. The efficiency of the panels and inverters has improved, and the system and inverters have evolved to incorporate battery back up and off grid support.
IES has remained focused on providing professional solar PV projects as well as service to southern Ontario and specifically the Niagara region.
I want to thank all our customers for their trust and continued support. It has been a pleasure meeting new challenges, meeting new people, and seeing the end results of continued collaborations between IES and our customers.
Thank you,
Woody Nickerson
