Abstract Current trends in energy supply and use within the building sector in Egypt are patently unsustainable and uneconomical; they are not environmentally and sometimes not even socially viable. Renewable energy has recently started to attract considerable attention as a future energy source. After major problems with electricity blackouts the photovoltaic (PV) market, in particular, has been growing significantly in Egypt over the last 5 years. This study was conducted to develop an evaluation method to assess the potential of applying passive design and low carbon and construction strategies together with PV systems for electricity power supply. A one year Building Performance and Post Occupancy Evaluation was carried out for a selected case study in Baharia, Egypt using records of energy use, demand profiles, and monitored thermal behaviour in indoor environments, together with a review of occupants’ satisfaction. The outcome of this study offers an applicable methodology for assessing the performance of mixed use off-grid low carbon and PV plus-energy buildings. The results aim to serve as a base for future national legal requirements for a zero carbon and PV plus-energy solar building practice especially in off-grid desert settlements in Egypt.