The Smartest Home on the Block
Let’s design the Most Energy-Efficient Home available today.
Let’s design the Most Energy-Efficient Home available today.
Let’s Make Renewable Home Energy Simple
The lack of transparency and clear information can be a challenge when it comes to making greener choices. This site will empower you with a clear understanding of the net costs and advantages of popular residential solar, electric vehicle charging, and backup power options. Net costs include equipment, installation, permits, labor, hardware accessories and estimated federal, state and local incentives.
The next generation of smart homes will be defined by solar energy, backup power, electric vehicle chargers and AI. We review smart home energy solutions to help you make better choices for the future.
Residential Solar Conversion Options
How can you unlock the potential of solar energy?
A home solar installation is a life-changing investment. In addition to savings and energy security, you can sell excess energy to your local utility and increase the resale value of your home. Choosing the right solar inverter to convert the energy from your solar panels can maximize the return on your investment.
| dcbel r16 | SolarEdge 7600A |
SMA Sunny Boy |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Cost (USD) | $10,800 | $11,750 | $10,750 |
| Power (kW) | 15.2 | 7.6 | 3.3 - 7.7 |
| EV Charging* |
 1 mile per minute (+$799) |
||
| Backup?
Based on a Nissan Leaf SV base model (40 kWh battery) and the average daily consumption of 15.66 kWh as reported by SCE, PG&E and SDG&E. Power (Hours) |
61 (+$1,499) |
||
| Battery Degradation Protection |
Yes | No | No |
| Integrates with Additional Battery Storage* |
(+$950) |
(+$2,450) |
25 Years
is the average lifespan of residential solar panels.
26%
of residential solar cost can be claimed in federal tax credits.
Home Backup Power Options
Can you use an electric car battery for emergency backup power?
Compared to the battery of the average electric vehicle, stationary batteries and generators offer a fraction of the backup capacity. When connected to both your home and the grid, an electric battery can be used to provide backup power or sell excess electricity back to the local utility using bidirectional charging.
| dcbel r16 | Powerwall | DC Stationary Battery |
Generator | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Cost (USD)?Applicable incentive programs (rebates) may vary depending on the choice of EV charging or backup energy. | $4,400 | $7,950 | $4,400 | $9,700 |
| Blackout Power (Hours)** |
49? Based on a Nissan Leaf SV base model (40 kWh battery) discharged to 80% and the average daily consumption of 15.66 kWh as reported by SCE, PG&E and SDG&E. | 18 | 13 | 21 |
| Solar Power Integration | 15.2 kW | No | No | No |
| Vehicle-to-home (V2H) integration? Use your car as a backup power source in case of an outage. |
|
|||
| Optional Additional Backup Power (Hours)* |
15 (+$950) |
|||
| Vehicle-to- grid (V2G)? Use your car battery to provide power to the grid. |
|
|||
| Battery Degradation Protection |
|
1.33 billion
outage hours in the United States in 2020.
Electric Vehicle Charging Options
Do I need a home charging station for electric vehicles?
Whether you drive an electric car today or are thinking about buying one, your home energy system should be adaptable. Today’s investment in home energy shouldn’t stand in the way of the future potential. One day, the sun will power your home and your car.
| dcbel r16 | Wallbox Quasar |
L2 Charger | L1 Charger | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Cost (USD) | $7,250 | $4,050 | $200-400 | $100-200 |
| Charging Speed |
1 mile per minute |
1/2 mile per minute | 1/2 mile per minute | 1/4 mile per minute |
| Solar? Solar panels are required. Charging |
Yes | No | No | No |
| Dual Charging |
Yes | No | No | No |
| Charger Type |
J1772 and CHAdeMO or CCS1 | CHAdeMO only | J1772 only | J1772 only |
| Vehicle to Home (V2H)**? What V2H is (using car as backup source in the event of grid outage). | Yes | No | No | No |
| Blackout Power (Hours)**? Based on a Nissan Leaf SV base model (40 kWh battery) for 17.97 kWh / day consumption. | 53 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Battery Degradation Protection |
|
|||
| On Screen User Interface | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Integrates with Solar and Storage |
(see Solar w. EV Charging & Backup Power) |
10 million
electric cars are currently on the road.
379 miles
between charges is the longest range of current electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Charging w. Solar
Can you use solar energy to charge electric vehicles?
Residential solar panels generate clean energy for your home but now you can achieve sustainable transportation. Using solar energy to charge your electric vehicle is a way to maximize the value of both.
| dcbel r16 | Wallbox Quasar |
L2 Charger | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Cost (USD) | $10,800 | $16,700 | $18,400 |
| Solar Charging |
|
||
| Vehicle to Home (V2H)? Use your car as a backup power source in case of an outage. |
(+$1,499) |
||
| Vehicle to Grid (V2G)? Use your car battery to provide power to the grid. |
|
|
|
| Integrates with Battery Storage* |
(+$950) |
(+$1,950) |
(+$1,950) |
337 million
gallons of gasoline is consumed every day in the US
284
sunny days in California every year
Solar w. Electric Vehicle Charging & Back Up
How do you design the most energy-efficient home on the block?
The smart home of the future will not be defined by a single gadget or piece of hardware. It will be an energy ecosystem of solar panels, electric vehicles, and backup power adapted to your unique lifestyle. Secure, dependable, and future-proof, the next generation of smart homes will be energy-independent.
How do you design the most energy-efficient home on the block?
The smart home of the future will not be defined by a single gadget or piece of hardware. It will be an energy ecosystem of solar panels, electric vehicles, and backup power adapted to your unique lifestyle. Secure, dependable, and future-proof, the next generation of smart homes will be energy-independent.
How do you design the most energy-efficient home on the block?
| dcbel r16 | Alternative | |
|---|---|---|
| Net Cost (USD) | $8,150 | $17,550 |
| Solar Inverter |
Included | Additional |
| Home Energy Monitor |
Included | Additional |
| EV DC Charger | Included | Additional |
| EV AC Charger | Included | Additional |
| Stationary Battery Charge |
Included | Additional |
| V2H? Use your car as a backup power source in case of an outage. | Yes | Not available |
| V2G? Use your car battery to provide power to the grid. | Yes | Additional |
| Smart Operating System |
Orchestrate OS | Not available |
| Wall space needed | 1/4 of a standard garage wall | 3/4 standard garage wall |
| Software Control | dcbel app | 5+ separate apps |
| Net-Zero | Seamless | Manual sizing and control needed |
| Backup Power Reserve (hrs)?Based on a Nissan Leaf SV base model (40 kWh battery) and the average daily consumption of 15.66 kWh as reported by SCE, PG&E and SDG&E |
61 | 15 |
| Optional Additional BackupPower (Hours)* |
15 (+$950) |