Discover House
Built from the ground up to spotlight the most energy-efficient features available, the Discover House is our showcase of what a truly green, solar-powered home looks like in practice.
As part of our Plans Review Program and Consultation Service, we recommend these products and offer guidance to help you design your energy-efficient home. An investment now will reap years of benefits and enhance the value of your home for the future.
A Home Built for the Future
Solar works best when paired with a well-designed, energy-efficient home. The Discover House demonstrates how each of these technologies works together — reducing your total energy demand so that a smaller, more affordable solar system can power everything.
Icynene Insulation
Spray foam insulation that seals every gap and crack, dramatically reducing air infiltration and energy loss compared to traditional fiberglass batts.
Jeld-Wen Low-E Argon Windows
Double-hung windows with Low-E coatings and argon gas fill, plus energy-efficient vinyl doors — blocking heat transfer while maximizing natural light.
Energy Star Metal Roof
Reflective metal roofing rated by Energy Star reduces cooling loads by reflecting solar radiation — and provides the ideal surface for solar panel mounting.
Solar Hot Water Heating
Solar thermal collectors pre-heat domestic hot water before it reaches the tank, cutting water heating costs — typically the second-largest energy expense in a home.
Phifer Sun Control Screens
Exterior solar screens block up to 90% of the sun's heat before it reaches the glass, keeping interiors cool while preserving your view to the outside.
Energy Star Hunter Fans
Ceiling fans rated by Energy Star move air efficiently, allowing you to raise the thermostat setpoint by 4°F without any reduction in comfort.
Fluorescent & LED Lighting
High-efficiency fluorescent and LED fixtures throughout interior and exterior spaces use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last far longer.
Moen & Kohler Low-Flow Fixtures
WaterSense-certified faucets and toilets from Moen and Kohler reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance — saving both water and the energy to heat it.
Induction & Gas Cooking
Induction cooktops transfer energy directly to the cookware with 90% efficiency, while gas provides instant heat control — both far more efficient than traditional electric coil ranges.
Fisher & Paykel Refrigeration
Refrigerators and dishwashers that exceed Energy Star requirements, using advanced compressor technology and insulation to minimize one of the home's biggest constant energy draws.
See It All Together
Every feature of the Discover House works in concert — from the roof down to the fixtures — to minimize energy consumption and maximize the return on your solar investment.
Plans Review & Consultation Service
We review your home plans and recommend the right combination of energy-efficient products and solar systems to maximize your savings. Whether you're building new or retrofitting an existing home, we'll help you design the most efficient solution.
Visit Our Sponsors
We hope you'll explore the products featured in the Discover House. Each sponsor was selected for their commitment to energy efficiency and quality — the same standards we apply to every solar project we design.
Explore Solar Systems