The Sunny Side of a New Home
As a new homebuilder, I’ve seen the rise of solar energy transform the industry. Gone are the days when solar panels were a rare sight, relegated to the roofs of the eco-conscious few. Today, solar is becoming a must-have feature for savvy homebuyers, and I’m excited to share my insights on how to seamlessly integrate it into new construction projects.
Integrating solar photovoltaics (PV) into new homes is becoming increasingly popular across the United States. In fact, in California, rooftop solar PV is now a requirement for all newly built homes, and some cities have expanded this rule to major renovations as well. Other areas of the country are offering incentives to encourage builders to include solar as an option for their customers.
The benefits of solar-powered homes are numerous – from lower electricity bills to increased home values. In fact, a SETO-funded study found that homeowners across the country have been willing to pay a premium for homes with an average-size solar array. Over the life of the solar system, the savings from lower utility bills can often exceed the higher upfront cost of the home.
Navigating the Solar Landscape
As a homebuilder, the first step in adding solar to a new build is to familiarize yourself with the solar installation companies in your local area. This will allow you to compare quotes and find the right fit for your project’s schedule and budget.
Be sure to address the installation timeline in addition to the cost. Some solar installers have a stockpile of panels on hand, which can help them reliably match your construction schedule. You can also visit the website of SETO awardee EnergySage, which has developed several tools to make the process of finding and selecting installers easier.
It’s important to note that construction professionals who are not certified to install solar panels should not perform any portion of the installation process. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners offers educational programs and certification to ensure the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of solar panels. If you prefer your own construction crew to handle the installation, you’ll need to ensure they have the proper training and certification to meet local requirements.
Optimizing Solar Placement
When it comes to the physical placement of solar panels, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Typically, solar panels perform best on unshaded, south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees. Any orientation between southeast and southwest can work well, with orientation being less important for shallow slopes than steep slopes.
Builders should also ensure the roof can support the weight of the solar panels and the racking structure. While trees are normally not a concern with new construction, overhangs, chimneys, or adjacent roof peaks can cast shadows that impact the power generation of solar panels.
Inside the home, there are additional factors to consider, such as the electrical panel’s ability to handle the load and the wiring required to connect the solar energy system. The National Association of Home Builders has more information on design considerations and wiring requirements in its Builders Toolkit for Solar.
To estimate the energy production of a potential solar installation, you can use the PVWatts tool developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This tool allows you to estimate the performance of grid-connected PV and battery energy systems, helping you make informed decisions about the solar system’s size and capabilities.
Choosing the Right Solar Technology
When it comes to the solar panels themselves, the most commonly used residential solar panels are made with crystalline silicon solar cells. These panels combine high efficiency, low cost, and a long lifetime, with modules expected to last for 25 years or more while still producing more than 80% of their original power.
Another option to consider is building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) systems, in which the solar panels also serve as functional components of the house, such as roofing, siding, skylights, awnings, or carports. BIPV systems offer different aesthetic options than traditional PV systems, though they typically come at a higher cost and reduced power generation for the same area.
Connecting to the Grid
Once the solar panels are installed, the power they produce needs to be wired into the home’s main electric panel. There are special requirements for labeling, sizing of the panel, and even the placement of breakers within the panel. Builders also need to secure an interconnection agreement with the local utility in order to activate the connection to the grid.
The nature of these agreements varies greatly depending on the utility company and the local authority having jurisdiction. Utilities generally want to know the technical specifications of the solar energy system and, in some cases, they may want to inspect it along with the local authority having jurisdiction. Before you start building, it’s a good idea to reach out to the utility to gather all the necessary information.
After the interconnection agreement and potential inspection, the utility will grant permission to operate. If you engage a solar installer, they will typically handle this process for you.
Futureproofing with Solar-Ready Homes
For homebuilders who want to future-proof their projects, the concept of “solar-ready” homes is worth considering. A solar-ready home includes the same components and design considerations as a home with solar panels, with the only difference being that the panels can be added later.
Solar-ready homes can be appealing to homeowners who might want solar panels in the future but are not ready to make the initial investment. This option can also command a sales price premium, as it lowers the cost of installing solar for homeowners down the line.
Empowering Homes with Energy Storage
Another exciting development in the solar energy landscape is the integration of battery storage. Battery storage for solar energy can be a valuable asset for homeowners, as it allows them to store the electricity generated by the solar panels and use it during power outages or high-cost evening hours.
If you plan to offer solar energy storage batteries to potential homeowners, it’s important to involve the utility early in the process. Depending on your location, utilities may configure electricity metering differently and offer incentives for adding battery storage. You should also review building codes in your area to ensure you are following protocol, as there may be specific fire code requirements for battery storage and additional electrical requirements.
Powering the Future of Transportation
Rooftop solar arrays can also provide power for electric vehicles (EVs), which is a growing trend among eco-conscious homebuyers. The number of solar panels needed to power an EV depends on how much the EV is driven, with rapid EV charging requiring 240-volt outlets rated at 30 to 50 amperes, similar to those needed for an electric clothes dryer.
By incorporating solar-powered EV charging into your new home designs, you can offer a comprehensive sustainable solution that appeals to the modern homebuyer. To learn more about the requirements and benefits of powering EVs with solar energy, check out the resources available from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
Bringing it All Together
As a homebuilder, the opportunity to integrate solar energy into new construction projects is an exciting one. By considering the various factors, from panel placement to grid connectivity, and by staying informed on the latest technologies and incentives, you can create homes that are not only energy-efficient but also more valuable, sustainable, and appealing to the growing number of solar-savvy homebuyers.
To learn more about how Solar A Systems Inc. can support your solar integration efforts, I encourage you to visit our website or reach out to our team of experts. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future, one solar-powered home at a time.
