More buyers seek energy-resilient homes
Nearly three-quarters of buyers would consider an all-electric home with solar panels and battery storage as utility costs and outages raise concerns.
Concerns about utility costs and power outages are increasing interest in homes that can remain functional when the grid goes down.
COGNITION Smart Data found that 73.4% of homebuyers would consider an all-electric house with solar panels and battery storage, up from 36.7% in 2024, and 56% now rank the feature as a top priority.
One-third of surveyed homeowners said they would pay up to a 10% premium for an all-electric home. The appeal extends beyond energy savings as households look for greater self-sufficiency during severe weather and other disruptions.
In 2025, JD Power reported, "Overall, 45% of utility customers nationwide say they have experienced a power outage in the first half of 2025. Of those outages, 48% were due to extreme weather such as a hurricane, ice or snowstorm, thunderstorm, wind, tornado, or fire."
In Southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch has continued to draw home buyers after its resilient design helped the community avoid power loss during Hurricane Ian. State and local incentives can offset some installation costs, though upfront expense remains a barrier.
Builders and insurers are also beginning to respond to growing demand for stronger, more energy-independent homes. Craig Coale, publisher of Green Builder, says, "Resiliency is one of the biggest drivers of long-term home value."
Source: Forbes (09/08/26) Gold, Jamie
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