Designing the Battery-Powered Home: What Solar + Storage Systems Need to Work in Real Houses

The Battery-Powered Home: What Works, What’s Overhyped, and What Actually Saves You Money Everyone’s talking about electrification, batteries, and “smart homes.” Very few are telling the truth about what actually works. In this session, we cut through the marketing and break down: 1. Where batteries actually make financial sense (and where they don’t) 2. The difference between comfort, efficiency, and resilience 3. What homeowners and contractors keep getting wrong 4. How to design a system that performs in the real world, not just on paper Whether you’re designing systems, selling them, or living with them, this session focuses on practical decisions, not hype. You will walk away knowing • When batteries are worth it… and when they’re not • How electrification impacts real-world comfort and reliability • The most common design and installation mistakes • What to prioritize if you want performance, not just a spec sheet Bonus - One lucky live attendee will win a copy of the speaker's book, "The Battery Powered Home" Continuing Education Units (CEUS)*** submitted 1 hour in* • Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) • Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse • Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)** • Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP) • GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Place • American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD) • Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier • Passive House Consultant US (CPHC) • Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) **State Architect / Builder License may be applicable Need CEUS? Take the Quiz here: https://greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.... Speaker Greg Smith is Director of Technical Training for Tigo Energy and author of The Battery Powered Home. With decades of experience in electrical systems and solar technology, Greg focuses on translating complex solar and battery concepts into practical knowledge for installers, building professionals, and homeowners. His work bridges the gap between solar technology, residential electrical infrastructure, and real-world system performance. Lessons Learned 1. Understand that appropriate sizing and load management in solar-plus-storage systems are essential for optimizing health benefits through reliable energy access in modern homes. 2. Analyze safety protocols to ensure that residential solar and battery systems are designed to withstand common hazards and maintain safe operation under various conditions. 3. Introduce strategies that enhance welfare by integrating solar and battery systems effectively, ensuring resilience and consistent access to energy for all homeowners. 4. Articulate the importance of debunking common misconceptions in solar design to foster an informed approach that maximizes performance and sustainability in residential energy systems.