In the face of rapidly accelerating climate change, there is a swift shift to renewable energy sources globally, including in India. Solar power is driving the transition to renewable energy among households with its potential to provide nearly limitless clean energy. When solar-powered homes adopt automation, the resulting synergies lead to even more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable homes and living spaces.
Solar-powered smart homes: The best of both worlds
Smart homes adapt to users’ preferences, making residences more efficient, safe, and comfortable. And when smart homes work on solar power, the benefits multiply for several reasons.
Firstly, while the intelligent technologies within smart homes excel at optimising energy use, they need a constant and reliable energy source to perform. Solar energy is such a source. Solar-powered smart homes are also safer than homes that derive power from the grid since the security devices never lose electricity. And, while solar rooftop solutions lead to energy independence, smart homes amplify this independence since the automation solutions help conserve energy for longer, even during unfavourable weather conditions, ensuring that residents are comfortable and safe.
Crucially, while a smart home commands a higher value than a conventional home, a smart home powered by solar energy commands an even higher value—approximately 4.1% more than a traditional home. Every kilowatt of solar power installed in a smart home raises its price by an estimated INR 59,110.
Sustainability is going mainstream
India’s renewable energy capacity recently crossed 200 gigawatts (GW), with solar power making up over 90 GW of this capacity. Rooftop solar produces 11 GW of India’s solar power capacity, of which homes generate 2.7GW. However, Indian households have the potential to deploy 637 GW of solar energy capacity from their rooftops, according to a study by the Council of Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW).
Thus, the synergy between solar power and automation can tap into the latent solar energy production potential of Indian households and achieve the government’s vision of lowering household electricity bills to zero and selling electricity for a profit.
Embracing opportunities for a greener tomorrow
In the years ahead, the journey toward integrating solar solutions and smart home technology will be filled with exciting opportunities. While there are considerations to address, such as initial costs and integration processes, these are being met with innovative solutions and collaborative efforts across the industry.
For many households, the initial investment in solar power and smart home technology may seem significant; however, there is a growing awareness of the substantial benefits these innovations offer. As more families begin to recognize the long-term financial savings and environmental advantages, the transition will become increasingly appealing. The synergy between solar energy and smart hom
Mar. Gen 7th, 2025
