Why Install Solar at the Time of New Home Construction?
As a new home is built, there’s a unique opportunity to integrate modern technologies, including solar power. In Hawaii, new homes must include some form of renewable energy, usually solar hot water, but there’s also the option for solar PV (photovoltaics). Incorporating solar PV during the construction phase offers numerous benefits, from long-term savings to increased efficiency. By thoughtfully designing a home with solar energy in mind, you maximize its potential from day one. Here’s why solar PV should be part of every new home construction plan.
Ensure That Your Home Is Designed with a Solar PV System in Mind
When constructing a home, the design process gives you the chance to seamlessly incorporate a solar PV system. By planning for solar from the start, you can make the most of your home’s layout, maximizing energy production and keeping installation costs lower. If you’re adding solar to an already-built home, we work to ensure the system fits your home’s design, though it’s important to note that retrofitting may not always offer the same level of efficiency as a system designed specifically for a new build. By working with solar professionals early on, you can set your home up to capture the sun’s energy in the best possible way.
Orientation of Panels
The orientation of your roof and solar panels plays a big role in the performance of your solar PV system. In Hawaii, homes with panels positioned on south- and west-facing roof sections generate significantly more energy. In fact, panels that are correctly aligned can produce up to 25% more electricity than those facing in less optimal directions. By aligning your home’s largest roof sections toward the south and west during construction, you ensure maximum sun exposure and higher energy production from your solar system.
Seamless Integration
Building solar into your new home during construction ensures seamless integration. The solar system can be incorporated directly into the roof, eliminating the need for drilling holes or adding mounts later on, which can cause aesthetic issues or repairs down the line. Everything is designed to be weatherproof from the start, making the system more durable and visually appealing. This also results in a faster installation and lower overall labor costs, saving homeowners time and money.
Hidden Conduit
By planning ahead, electrical conduits (the pipes that carry wiring) can be embedded into the walls before the drywall is installed. This hides all the electrical wiring that powers your solar system, keeping your home looking clean and modern. Plus, installing these components during construction makes the process faster and less expensive. If you’re considering solar batteries for energy storage, they can also be integrated into this system. Learn more about how many batteries your home might need here.
Upgrading to SPAN Panel
When building a new home, homeowners have the option to replace standard electrical panels with SPAN panels. These smart panels offer advanced features, such as energy monitoring and control, making it easier to manage your home’s electricity usage. Integrating a SPAN panel from the start enhances your home’s overall energy efficiency and allows you to fully optimize your solar energy production. The added bonus? A SPAN panel can increase the value of your home and save money over time by giving you more control over energy consumption.
No Hassle of Retrofitting
Installing solar during the construction phase helps you avoid the hassles and higher costs associated with retrofitting. When you retrofit solar onto an existing home, installers must find ways to run wiring through finished walls or around structural components, which is more complex and time-consuming. These additional steps can significantly increase the labor and cost of installation. By incorporating solar during the construction process, everything is installed seamlessly, avoiding the mess and expense of future modifications.
Save on Installation Costs
By integrating solar into your new home construction plan, you can save on installation costs from the start. Proper orientation of panels, the use of materials that simplify installation, and planning for solar from the beginning reduce the time and resources needed for installation. The result is a faster, more cost-effective process that allows you to reap the benefits of solar energy without the added expense of retrofitting or complex modifications.
Maximum Sun Exposure
Maximizing sun exposure is key to a highly efficient solar PV system. Homes designed with large, south- and west-facing roofs will capture more sunlight, resulting in higher electricity production. This increase in efficiency translates to lower energy bills and a faster return on investment. Additionally, by optimizing sun exposure, homeowners can reduce their dependence on the grid and further lower long-term energy costs.
Compatible Roof Types Reduce Installation Difficulties
Not all roofing materials are created equal when it comes to solar installation. Some materials, like asphalt shingles, are easier and less expensive to work with. This can significantly reduce installation time and costs. On the other hand, materials like tile roofs may require additional mounting equipment or specialized installation methods, which can add to the complexity and cost. When you’re designing a new home, choosing a roof material that’s compatible with solar panels can make the installation process smoother and more cost-effective. By planning for solar early and selecting materials suited for the installation, you avoid potential complications and ensure your system performs optimally for years to come.
Increase Your New Home’s Value
Incorporating solar into your new home construction does more than save on energy bills—it also increases the overall value of your property. By making your home more energy-efficient and future-ready, solar panels provide a long-term financial benefit that goes beyond the immediate savings. Here’s how:
Solar Panels Increase Property Value
Homes with solar panels tend to sell for more. In fact, studies show that adding solar panels to a home can increase its value by around 4.1% on average . For Hawaii, where home prices are already significantly higher than the national average, this increase is even more impactful. As buyers look for homes that are energy-efficient and environmentally conscious, a solar-powered home stands out as a valuable asset, offering both savings and sustainability. According to Zillow, homes with solar panels can sell for up to $9,274 more than those without them, and in higher-priced markets like Hawaii, this premium can be even more pronounced.
Seamless Integration and Efficiency Add More Value to Your Property
By installing solar panels during new home construction, you also ensure seamless integration with your home’s structure. This not only results in a more aesthetically pleasing installation but also enhances the overall energy efficiency of the property. A custom-built system that fits your home from the ground up eliminates the need for costly retrofitting and modifications later on, making it more valuable in the eyes of potential buyers. A well-designed solar system that maximizes energy production from the start will provide ongoing savings and further increase your home’s market value.
Additional Benefits of Going Solar
If you’re considering adding solar to your new home, it’s important to understand the full range of benefits. Beyond the immediate savings on energy bills, solar power offers long-term financial advantages, increased home value, and energy independence. By reducing your reliance on the grid, you protect yourself from rising electricity costs and unpredictable energy rates. Solar energy is also a sustainable choice that helps reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to a greener future for Hawaii.
Moreover, Hawaii’s unique geography and abundant sunshine make it an ideal location for solar energy, and local incentives, such as tax credits, make the investment even more attractive. For a more detailed breakdown of the benefits of going solar in Hawaii, check out this article: The Benefits of Going Solar in Hawaii.
Ready to Make Solar Part of Your New Home?
We’re here to help you design the perfect solar system for your new home. Send us a copy of your building plans, and we’ll determine the right system size and configuration to maximize your energy savings. Contact us today to get started on your solar journey!
