Yes, thermal solar panels would be way more appropriate.
While trying to gain a few % through the transformation process OP is not addressing the elephant in the room: PV panels turn around 20% of the sun energy into electricity, thermal panels turn around 80% of the same energy into heat, They are way more efficient.
What about something like that ?
8 houses in a row, built using a wood structure and straw bale wall for insulation (thermal AND phonic insulation) and clay plaster. So the construction material is storing CO2 rather than emitting tons of CO2 like concrete does.
It collects rainwater for the garden and has enough solar panels for the community and to contribute to the electrical consumption of the village around it.
It leaves a lot of space for land to develop a food forest, permaculture projects and leave space for biodiversity.