Solar for new construction

There’s no better time to go solar than when you’re building a new home – you can save on costs, and have the opportunity to design your home in a way that’ll maximize your solar benefits.

Tips of building a solar-ready home

Consider the steepness and orientation of your roof: ideal solar conditions are typically a southern-facing array tilted between 30 and 45 degrees.
Be mindful of where you put roof vents, chimneys, and dormers: these have the potential to limit the space available for your future solar array.
Use a roofing material that’s easy to install on: try to avoid slate and wood if possible; they’re not impossible to install on, but you’ll pay more money and have a harder time finding an installer with experience installing on those types of roofs.
Plan for an electric panel of at least 200 amps: in most situations, this is the minimum size you’ll need for a solar installation. You’ll also want to make sure there’s space to run a conduit between your solar panels and main electric panel.

See other tips and considerations for designing a solar-ready home

Common questions

How do I accurately estimate my future electric bill for a new property?

There’s no right answer or method for this one – everybody uses power differently, so it’s not feasible to estimate an electric bill–or your future solar panel system–based on square footage or room count alone. Sometimes, it makes the most sense to max out your most southern-facing roof completely with panels, especially if you plan for other electrical upgrades in the home over time. The Department of Energy also has an energy load calculator you can use to generate an estimate based on your major appliances and how often you plan to use them.

Installers can also help with these tough questions based on their prior experience with new houses like yours, so don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations!

Can I get quotes for my new home on EnergySage, even if we haven’t started construction?

Yes – however, installers will need some details about your future home and roof to provide an accurate quote. Please send us information on the timeline of the project, as well as roof plans for installers to review.

Should I consider building-integrated photovoltaics–like solar shingles–since this is a new build?

Solar shingles are typically more expensive than solar panels, but can be a cost competitive option for new construction projects. You can learn more about solar shingles here.