Types of solar-powered homes
Homes can incorporate solar energy in several ways. Some methods rely on design strategies to naturally reduce a home’s energy demand, while others use solar technology to generate and store electricity. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right approach for your budget and location.
The four main categories below — passive design, solar-plus-storage systems, fully solar-powered homes and partially powered homes — offer distinct benefits depending on how much solar integration you’re aiming for.
Passive solar homes
Passive solar homes use architectural design rather than added solar technology to reduce energy needs. If you’re building a home or completing a major remodel, passive solar design can be incorporated from the start.
Designers consider natural light, climate patterns, window placement, building materials and insulation to capture heat in winter, deflect heat in summer and reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Unlike active solar systems that convert sunlight into electricity, passive homes focus on optimizing the building itself so it naturally stays comfortable and efficient. The result is a lower overall energy load, which can also make future solar installations smaller and more cost-effective.
Solar-plus-storage systems
Solar-plus-storage systems pair solar panels with battery storage so your home can access solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining. While panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, output is reduced, which can leave occasional gaps. Storage helps solve this by capturing surplus electricity for later use, typically in lithium-ion batteries.
These systems work in both grid-tied and off-grid setups: Grid-tied homes use batteries for backup power during outages, while off-grid homes rely on them for round-the-clock supply. In both cases, storage systems give homeowners more control over how and when they use solar power.
Fully powered solar homes
“If you have the means and live in a sunny location, solar energy experts typically recommend opting for a fully solar-powered home,” Ben McInerney, a renewable energy enthusiast and founder of GoSolarQuotes, told us. For a home to be fully solar-powered, it needs to produce as much or more energy than it uses.
Three ways a home can become fully solar-powered:
- Have enough solar panels to generate excess energy year-round: To fully power the average 2,000-square-foot home, you would need about 19 solar panels. This option can work if you have enough financing and plenty of unshaded space for the panels.
- Use a solar-plus-storage system: This stores unused solar energy for use when it’s not as sunny.
- Net metering: Some utility companies buy excess energy from homeowners’ solar panels (called net metering). This lets some homeowners make enough money when it’s sunny to offset energy costs during the darker months.
If you have the means and live in a sunny location, solar energy experts typically recommend opting for a fully solar-powered home."
Partially powered solar homes
Partially powered solar homes get at least 40% of their energy needs from solar energy, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Partially powered solar homes get some of their power from solar technology, drawing from the power grid only when solar panels can’t produce enough energy to power the home.
If you’re put off by the high cost of a fully solar-powered home, McInerney recommends considering a partially solar-powered home. “If you don't have the means to pay a higher upfront investment, go for the partial solar-powered home. There are still benefits to be had either way.”
A common example is a home with a modest rooftop system sized to cover daytime usage, such as air conditioning, appliances and electronics, while the household draws from the grid overnight or during cloudy stretches. Homeowners often start with a 4- to 6-kW system and expand later if their budget or energy needs grow.
» MORE: How to save energy at home
Pros and cons of solar-powered homes
When it comes to environmental impact, solar homes offer many benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But the upfront cost is by far the biggest drawback to a solar home.
Solar home pros
Solar energy lowers (and, in the case of fully solar-powered homes, eliminates) energy costs. Anthony, a SunPower reviewer on our site participating in net metering, no longer has an electricity bill: “I’m actually putting power back to the grid,” they said. “I’m in the black, even [in the winter] in the Northeast.”
Solar homes also reduce dependence on non-renewable energy, giving fully solar-powered homeowners the option to go “off the grid” entirely. Because of its positive environmental impact, tax breaks and incentives are available at federal, state, and even local levels in some cases.
I’m actually putting power back to the grid. I’m in the black, even [in the winter] in the Northeast."
Solar energy also gives homes more curb appeal; a 2019 study by Zillow found that solar panels increased home value by 4.1%, meaning a $500,000 house sold for an additional $20,500 at that time. More recent studies, including one by SolarInsure, suggest solar panels can increase home value by up to 10%.
Solar home cons
Aside from the high cost, a major drawback is that your home might not be a good fit for solar technology. Although solar technology does work in cloudy areas — in fact, certain types of cloud coverage may increase the amount of light your panels get — how much light your panels get will determine how efficient they are.
Solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs that are tilted at 15 to 40 degrees and unobstructed by trees. This means if your home is in a heavily wooded area, you may have to choose between clearing out trees or paying for regular tree trimming, both of which are costly. Your roof may be too small to hold the minimum number of panels needed. If your roof is unsuitable for solar panels, you will need enough open land for a ground-mounted solar panel.
Pros
- Lowers (or eliminates) energy bills
- Reduces energy dependence
- Clean energy credits and incentives
- Low maintenance
- Long lifespan
- Increases home value
Cons
- High upfront costs
- Dependent on location
- Home design affects performance
- Less efficient in cloudy or shady areas
- Sometimes banned by HOAs
How much does it cost to power your home with solar?
The average cost of solar system installation as of publishing is $14,210 (for a 5-kW system) to $28,241 (for a 10-kW system). Solar batteries will tack an additional $7,000 to $18,000 onto that price. The steep upfront cost means most homeowners have to wait 13 years to see a full return on investment (ROI).
Even though the upfront costs are high, it’s a good idea to see how far your solar investment dollars will go in your state — pricing can vary greatly by location. For example, the upfront cost of solar panels in Kentucky is $6,500 lower than in Hawaii. On top of that, every U.S. state and many cities offer solar incentives that can lower upfront costs.
If you’re on the fence about whether solar energy is worth the price, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed a PVWatts Calculator to help you get an idea of how solar panels will perform on your home.
» MORE: Are solar panels worth it?
FAQ
What is the life span of a solar energy system?
Solar roofs are long-lasting, with a life span of 25 to 30 years. This is about how often traditional roofs need to be replaced.
How much maintenance is required for a solar-powered home?
Solar homes require little maintenance. Periodic cleanings can marginally increase the performance of panels, but a good rain or a windy day is often enough to whisk away dust and pollen.
Can a solar-powered home go off the grid completely?
Yes, but the difficulty with a truly solar home is that the upfront cost often outweighs any potential savings. To be fully solar and “off the grid” usually requires some sort of storage. The cost of a solar battery for a residential home is incredibly high, ranging from $7,000 to $18,000.
How does the location of my home affect the efficiency of solar power?
Solar panels perform best on roofs that face south. They can work in areas that get little sun, but PV technology produces less energy on cloudy days. If you live in a low-light area, like Alaska or Washington, ask your utility company whether it participates in net metering to offset energy costs during the darker months.
Are there any specific building requirements or regulations for solar homes?
Yes, there are regulations for solar homes, though they vary by location. The best way to ensure your solar technology meets the requirements in your area is to hire professionals who are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), which oversees training and certification for solar installers.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University, "Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® - DSIRE." Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- Federal Trade Commission, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- NOAA SciJinks, “How Do Clouds Affect Solar Energy?” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- NREL, “Scientists Studying Solar Try Solving a Dusty Problem.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- NREL, “Solar Installed System Cost Analysis.” Nov. 25, 2025.
- Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to Solar.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Replacing Your Roof? It’s a Great Time to Add Solar.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Solar-Plus-Storage 101.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- Pew Research Center, “Home solar panel adoption continues to rise in the U.S.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- Solar Energies Industry Association, “Net Metering.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- Washington State Legislature, “Governing documents—Solar panels.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- Zillow, “Homes With Solar Panels Sell for 4.1% More.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
- SolarInsure, “Solar Panels & Home Values: 2025 Research Analysis.” Accessed Nov. 25, 2025.
