In this paper, a new and efficient hybrid AC/DC solar powered Homegrid model is proposed based on the load characteristics of a typical set of home appliances working on a 220 V, 50 Hz system. The load characteristics of home appliances are represented by a static ZIP (constant impedance (z), constant current (I) and constant power (P)) coefficient model, a useful load model in power flow studies. A Homegrid system is formed by analysing the distortion produced by modern household equipment, and a K-factor with a significant role in the overheating of residential/distribution transformers is determined. Further, the ZIP load model is validated by a simulation and the results are compared with experimental data. To improve the efficiency and quality of the traditional Homegrid system, a solar powered hybrid AC/DC supply network model is proposed. This system eliminates redundant power conversion stages and mitigates the loss due to the harmonics by a shift of harmonic intensive loads to the Direct Current (DC) network side. Its effectiveness has been investigated with a simulation in MATLAB as well as with hardware implementation. This proposed energy efficient Homegrid model could be quite helpful in fulfilling the idea of net zero or surplus energy buildings. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.