E is for Energy
How the Energy Pillar highlights opportunities for independence and control
The Energy Pillar of the Pearl SCORE™ looks at how well a home can generate, store, and manage its own energy. These capabilities aren’t required in most homes, but they provide valuable opportunities to reduce utility costs, improve comfort, and maintain power during outages.
This Pillar evaluates four key opportunities:
- Energy generation (like rooftop solar panels)
- Energy storage (such as home batteries)
- Electric vehicle readiness (charging capabilities and smart integration)
- Energy management (smart panels and controls that help monitor or optimize usage)
Homes that earn points in this Pillar are better equipped to produce their own electricity and use it wisely. A high-scoring home in the Energy Pillar may be able to keep critical systems running even when the grid is down.
Points are awarded based on the type of energy features installed, their performance levels, and the quality of installation. Homes do not need to include every feature to score well—even a few well-chosen systems can significantly improve performance.
The Energy Pillar is based on trusted standards, including:
- EPA guidance for electric vehicle-ready homes
- U.S. Department of Energy: Solar Integration and Grid Services