For our home, we opted for a single-level 1488-square-foot house built with 2 x 6
construction. The 2 x 6 walls add more insulation than 2 x 4 walls, keeping your
home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. In addition, we
incorporated passive solar design. Large windows and sliding glass doors that face
the sun allow for more of the sun’s energy to enter and heat your home. Small
windows and insulated doors at the back of the house allow for less energy to
escape.
Make sure to think about how to best use your environment. Orient your home to
face the sun and allow it to receive as much sunlight as possible. This will help
keep your home warm in the winter months and provide the maximum hours of
sunlight to charge your system. When you’re living off the grid, the sun is your
source of energy. Keep vegetation and overhanging trees away from your solar
array. There will be times when you wish you had captured all the sunlight you
can