7 Unique Examples of Solar Homes

When we started Westcoast Solar Energy, we primarily focused on commercial solar design, installation, and maintenance. As the company has grown into one of the leading solar companies in Sonoma County, we started to work on large, challenging residential projects as well. While we’ve been providing California homeowners solar energy opportunities for years, we know the value of looking at outside inspiration. 

Below are some of our favorite solar home designs from around the world.

Photo by Mattias Hamrén

#1 Sweden’s Zero Energy Homes

Over in Örebro, Sweden, these prefab two-story homes by Street Monkey Architects are almost completely powered by rooftop solar panels.

Four houses face east-west while the other six have a north-south orientation however, each home is perfectly angeled to catch as much sunlight as possible.

source: archdaily.com

#2 Solar Panel Examples from Spain

This unique sustainable residence was designed in 1995 and developed in Granadilla, Spain.

Residents in this beautiful solar home aims to reduce their ecological footprint by using materials and construction systems with local materials.

Such items include certified industrial materials like environmentally untreated wood with zero harmful elements.

Images ©Nathan Good Architect

#3 Cannon Beach Home in Oregon

Designed by Nathan Good Architects, this Oregon beach home was built to be as green as possible and last for generations.

In addition to the rooftop garden filtering rainwater, sustainable and salvaged materials, and high insulation, this home features a 5.9kW photovoltaic system to reduce the impact on the environment. They did a great job making it look gorgeous and peaceful.

© Dorfmüller Solaranlagen GmbH

#4 Integrated Photovoltaic Home in Germany

Designed by Nathan Good Architects, this Oregon beach home was built to be as green as possible and last for generations.

In addition to the rooftop garden filtering rainwater, sustainable and salvaged materials, and high insulation, this home features a 5.9kW photovoltaic system to reduce the impact on the environment. They did a great job making it look gorgeous and peaceful.

source: urbanstrong.com

#5 Solar Green Roofs

Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, combined with green rooftop gardens are the 2 environmentally-friendly technologies experiencing a rise in popularity in recent years. The two technologies can work together to increase efficiency, broadening each other benefits.

source: trendir.com

#6 Grasshopper House in Russia

When was the last time you saw a solar-powered structure and thought it looked like an insect? This uniquely shaped home by Russian architect, AN RO, takes on the shape of a grasshopper. It’s functional design blends beautifully with the nature surrounding it. 

The steep roof is partly covered with solar panels which allow the home to be energy independent.

Credit: Jared Sheir

#7 Solar-Powered Envelope

EPIC, a 13 story office building from Hudson Pacific, is the first commercial building in Los Angeles to use building-integrated photovoltaics where the solar panels are part of the building rather than being on the roof. The exterior alternates between panels and windows while having plenty of outdoor space for the building’s occupants.

source: inhabitat.com

# Bonus Example: Solar Homes Showcase

The Solar Decathlon showcases even more stunning examples of energy-efficient homes at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.

They even have a spectacular photo gallery of solar home examples to check out on their website.

For your next residential or commercial solar installation, we’d be happy to help. Still curious to learn if solar panels are right for you? View our solar reviews!