How to Turn Any Home Into a Smart, Energy-Efficient Powerhouse

At Renewable Innovations, we help homeowners transform ordinary houses into fully automated smart homes—integrated with solar, battery backup, and intelligent energy management.

This article is based on a real 360º virtual tour project we built for a client, showing exactly how we design smart home upgrades from the ground up. Even if you’re not in our service area, we’ve included Amazon affiliate links to the same products we use, so you can DIY your own setup or bring the plan to your local installer.

Whether you’re just getting started with home automation or you already have a handful of smart devices that don’t quite work together, this guide will show you what a $5,000 investment can do for your comfort, energy savings, and peace of mind.

Why Pair Smart Home Tech with Renewable Energy?

If you already have solar, you’re ahead of the curve. Add battery backup, and you can operate independently during outages. The real magic happens when smart devices work in tandem with renewable energy—allowing you to reduce load intelligently without needing a full smart electrical panel like SPAN.

Our recommended devices all work locally, meaning they’ll still operate even if your internet goes out. This is a critical feature during power outages.

Core Smart Home Platform

We evaluated several brands and ultimately chose Leviton for this project. Their lineup includes switches, dimmers, fan controls, tamper-resistant smart outlets, and even no-neutral options for older homes.

Leviton has over a century of experience in electrical manufacturing, and their second-generation smart products are reliable, widely compatible (Apple HomeKit, Google, Alexa), and offer one of the most complete ecosystems on the market.

Key Upgrades by Space

Front PorchInstead of a wired doorbell, we installed the Philips Hue Security Floodlight with Camera—combining lighting, surveillance, and motion detection in a single device. Philips Hue’s product range is unmatched for lighting, with options for both indoor ambiance and outdoor security.

Entry & LocksWe upgraded the front lock to the Level Lock for Apple Home integration and tap-to-unlock via iPhone or Apple Watch. Guest access can be managed via a sleek keypad.

Switches and outlets at the entry were swapped for Leviton smart models, enabling automation for seasonal lighting or small appliances.

Office & BedroomsSmart outlets allow scheduled shutdowns of electronics, while dimmers create adjustable lighting for late-night work or relaxation.

Smarter Climate Control

The home’s thermostat was upgraded to the ecobee Premium, which supports Siri, offers air quality monitoring, and adjusts based on room occupancy.

We paired it with Flair Smart Vents, which redirect air away from unused rooms. This improves comfort while reducing HVAC runtime—critical when operating on solar credits or battery power during peak pricing periods.

Flair also supports mini-split systems via the Flair Puck, bringing zone control to spaces like garages or breezeways.

Lighting and Automation

Bathrooms received motion-activated nightlight scenes via Philips Hue bulbs. Kitchens and living spaces were upgraded with Leviton dimmers and fan controls, while exterior lighting was replaced with Philips Hue floodlights for flexible automation.

Door sensors were added for security notifications and to trigger lighting scenes when opened.

Energy Monitoring

While the home had solar, it lacked modern monitoring. We added the Sense Energy Monitor to track both consumption and production. This is especially valuable for homeowners without battery storage.

Bridging Compatibility Gaps: HOOBS Pro

For clients wanting a truly seamless system across Apple, Google, and Alexa platforms, we recommend the HOOBS Pro.

This micro-server acts as a bridge for devices that normally can’t communicate with each other. It requires some technical setup—making it better suited for enthusiasts or clients working with us directly—but once configured, it transforms a good smart home into a fully unified control center.

Why This Matters for Energy Efficiency

On time-of-use utility plans, energy costs spike during peak hours. By using smart vents, thermostats, and scene-based lighting, you reduce your home’s energy draw at exactly the right times. Cooling or heating only the room you’re in—rather than the entire house—can cut HVAC runtime dramatically, lowering both utility bills and battery drain.

Cost & Value

Every device we’ve mentioned—switches, outlets, vents, thermostats, locks, lighting, and even Apple HomePods—can be sourced for around $5,000 total. That’s less than many smart panels and offers far greater comfort and customization.

Ready to Start?

We offer turn-key home automation designs, battery backup planning, and solar integration. Whether you want a single-room upgrade or a full-house overhaul, we can help you build a home that’s smarter, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, contact us at Renewable Innovations—or browse our full product list via the Amazon affiliate links below to start your own DIY project.

• $169 - TP-Link Deco XE75 AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System - Covers up to 5500 Sq.Ft, Replaces WiFi Router and Extender, AI-Driven Mesh, 6GHz Band, 2-Pack: https://amzn.to/3J2qjF9

• $309 - Apple Homepod - White (2025): https://amzn.to/4ft7lDw

• $209 - Philips Hue Secure Starter Kit - Includes 3 Secure Contact Sensors (White), 1 Indoor Motion Sensor, 1 Bridge, 2 White & Color Ambiance Smart Bulbs - Easy to Install, Works with Hue App: https://amzn.to/46LiD3O

• $185 - Philips Hue Secure Floodlight with Camera - 1 Pack - 1080P HD Video - Night Vision - Color-Capable, 2250 Lumens Light - Motion Detection - Two-Way Talk - Outdoor - Weatherproof - Works with Hue App: https://amzn.to/4102T9p

• $119 - FLAIR Puck Wireless Thermostat and Room Sensor FLAIRPUCK001: https://amzn.to/4mbVYTa

• $139 - Flair Smart Vent 6x12 (White), AC Vent Cover for Floors, Walls and Ceilings: https://amzn.to/41v6T1O

• $99 - Flair Bridge Networking Device: https://amzn.to/4m75jLL

• $35 - Leviton Decora Smart Switch, Wi-Fi 2nd Gen, Neutral Wire Required, Works with Matter, My Leviton, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home/Siri & Wired or Wire-Free 3-Way, D215S-1RW, White: https://amzn.to/4mzxWBh

• $41 - Leviton Decora Smart Outlet, Tamper-Resistant 15A, Wi-Fi 2nd Gen, Works with My Leviton, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home/Siri & Wire-Free Companions for Switched Outlet, D215R-2RW, White: https://amzn.to/4loUHqF

• $43 - Leviton Decora Smart Fan Speed Controller, Wi-Fi 2nd Gen, Neutral Wire Required, Works with My Leviton, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home/Siri & Wired or Wire-Free 3-Way, D24SF-1RW, White: https://amzn.to/40XpV0F

• $20 - Leviton Wi-Fi Bridge for No-Neutral Decora Smart Dimmers and Switches (DN6HD and DN15S), Works with My Leviton, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home/Siri & Wire-Free 3-Way, MLWSB-1RW, White: https://amzn.to/4mHGy9b

• $39 - Leviton No-Neutral Decora Smart Switch, Requires MLWSB Wi-Fi Bridge to Work with My Leviton, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home/Siri & Wire-Free 3-Way DN15S-1RW, White: https://amzn.to/40YnbA6

• $229 - Level Bolt (Matter) Smart Deadbolt – Make Your Lock Smart Without Changing Keys or Hardware – Matter-Over-Thread, Keyless Entry & Remote Access via Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and for SmartThings: https://amzn.to/4mzy4Rh

• $329 - Level Lock+ Deadbolt Smart Lock - World's Smallest Smart Lock Plus Apple Home Keys - Level App for iOS & Android - Works with Apple Home (Matte Black): https://amzn.to/41zr6DJ

• $349 - Sense Flex Home Energy Monitor: https://amzn.to/4m6IfwL

• $399 - HOOBS Pro: https://hoobs.com/pro/