Soft photovoltaic solar panel installation and construction

Should a solar energy system be a part of your home design?

While your solar energy system doesn't need to be at the center of all your home design decisions, anticipating and eliminating potential issues at the time of construction is a lot easier (and more cost effective) than trying to work around them later.

Can solar PV be used in New construction?

Integrating solar photovoltaics (PV) into new construction is becoming more and more popular in the United States. In California, rooftop solar PV became a requirement on newly built homes starting in 2020 and in some cities, this rule also applies to major renovations.

What is a photovoltaic (PV) system?

At the heart of it all, a Photovoltaic (PV) system is an eco-friendly powerhouse that converts sunlight into usable electricity, allowing us to power our homes with renewable energy. This system is essentially your private power plant, harnessing the unlimited power of the sun and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Can solar panels be installed on a south-facing roof?

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 ensure the roof can support solar panels and a racking structure.

Can solar panels be installed at the same time as home construction?

A recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that installing solar at the same time as home construction can significantly cut costs.

Can solar panels be installed on a roof?

To get the most out of your system, ensure your home can accommodate solar panels before installing them on your roof. Your roof's shading, its orientation and angle towards the sun, and its age all contribute to its potential to generate solar energy. In a perfect world, your panels will face south and tilt between 15 and 40 degrees.