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There are many different possible combinations of building envelope, utility equipments and onsite energy generation equipments that can lead to net zero-energy performance. For instance, a building with standard design can offset its energy demand by adding a large amount of photovoltaic cells or by improving its energy efficiency rating first and then adding a smaller amount of photovoltaic cells. Despite the second strategy being considered the roadmap to net zeroenergy status, the first scenario is also possible in the actual Portuguese context where laws favor conditions for the installation of PV´s and solar thermal systems. This paper intends to discuss the implications of this fact from a national perspective coupled with the IEA SHC Task 40 - ECBCS Annex 52 vision where authors are active participants.