The vision of the Solar Buildings Research Network (SBRN) is the development of the solar-optimized building as an integrated advanced technological system that approaches net-zero energy consumption while being cost effective and comfortable. It brings together “low-tech” passive solar technologies that appear simple but generally require careful design with “high-tech” active envelope elements such as motorized blinds and airflow windows with photovoltaics and smart predictive control systems. Solar-optimization requires that the solar technologies are optimally integrated into the design and operation of the building.