How to Plan for Solar When Building a New Home
Do you live in a new construction community? Many new home builders are also solar enthusiasts. New home construction has changed a lot over the past few decades. Building codes, indoor design standards, and other factors have made it easier than ever to build a beautiful home. But, this has also created an increased demand for regulations and technical standards that match the expectations of today’s modern homebuyer. When it comes to building your new home, be sure to take into account the impact of certain features such as underground utilities or solar panels. If you’re not sure where to start, this article offers practical advice you can use today.
Research the local climate
When planning your new home, it’s important to understand the climate in your area to get a general idea of what your region experiences in terms of average temperatures and rainfall or snowfall. If you live in a place that’s prone to harsh weather conditions, you may want to consider including features that are designed to minimize the effects of these extreme temperatures on your home.
You also want to know how much sun your home is going to be exposed to each day and if there’s potential for solar panels on your roof. This helps ensure that you can take advantage of solar energy if you decide you want it later on down the road.
Understand your energy needs
It’s important to know how much energy you need and how much solar power you can generate. Your solar panel system will only be as strong as your home’s energy needs allow. If your home is designed with plenty of insulation, an efficient heating and cooling system, and a photovoltaic (PV) system that generates enough power for your needs, then you will have a good foundation to build upon.
If you’re still not sure where to start, consider getting help from professionals before making any final decisions. They may be able to help you understand the best options for your specific needs and budget.
Estimate your cost of solar
When you plan for home solar, you should estimate the cost of solar panels and compare that with your monthly energy payments.
First, look at how many hours of sunlight your home receives per day. Then, determine how much electricity your home needs for each square foot. Next, calculate how many square feet of solar panels you need to generate the amount of electricity needed by your home. For example, if you need 100 kWh of electricity each month and your house has 10,000 square feet (not including a basement or garage), then you would need 1 kW of solar panels. Finally, compare the cost of installing solar with the costs associated with paying a monthly electric bill to see which option is more beneficial overall.
Look at solar panel options before you build
When you’re planning a new home, you should consider the solar panel options that are available. A solar panel is an affordable way to create your own renewable energy and reduce your monthly costs. Solar panels provide homeowners with an alternative source of electricity that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels or nuclear power. In addition, they install easily and can be added to new homes throughout construction. A solar system is not a must-have feature but they are one of many ways to help reduce your energy bill and make your home more sustainable.
Be aware of building code requirements
For a new construction home, it’s important to know what the building code requires before you start. This will help you avoid any potential issues with the builder or your local building department.
In many cities, the local building department has its own standards for solar panels on a new construction home. These standards will vary based on a few different factors such as roof pitch and roof angle. The codes also require that any solar panels installed to be of a certain height, which is typically three feet or higher. It’s also important to note that these codes may not always match up with your preference for how much solar energy can be generated on your roof. If you’re not sure how to approach this, consult with an engineer to discuss possible solutions for using solar power in your home without going over code requirements.
Check the net-metering option before buying a home with solar panels
When you’re planning to build a new home, you will want to consider if your community offers net metering. Net-metering allows homeowners to pay their utility bills based on the production of solar energy. This is a great option for those who already have solar panels installed but are not sure if they are going to be able to sell the excess power back to the utility company.
Net-metering is also an important concept because it helps homeowners stay aware of the cost of electricity and helps them decide whether or not it is worth the investment. If you are considering installing solar panels in your home, talk to your builder about how net-metering works and what it means for your family.
Take advantage of tax benefits available to homeowners who install solar panels
Many homes in the U.S. are built with solar panels. If your home is able to use power from its roof, you may be eligible for tax benefits that make solar an attractive option.
As a homeowner, you’re entitled to a 26% tax credit on the cost of your solar installation. Also, when your property is sold, you can choose either to depreciate or amortize the cost of the system over five years rather than deducting it in one year.
Utilize passive solar principles to reduce your cooling costs.
One of the best ways to reduce your cooling costs is to utilize passive solar principles. Building with natural light and energy-efficient windows will drastically reduce your cooling costs while giving you a beautiful home.
If you plan on adding solar panels, be sure to consider where they would go in your yard and check with your utility provider before installing them. Also, ensure that the panels are certified for your area’s specific energy requirements.