Solar Considerations for New Home Construction

There are numerous groups that may benefit from the use of solar power, and among these are homebuilders and their clients who are looking to build new homes for themselves. The use of solar panels in new home construction has gone way up in recent years, with both builders and their clients realizing many ways, both financial and otherwise, that solar panels can play a role in a quality construction process.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're happy to help with a variety of residential solar panel services, including the use of the Tesla Powerwall battery backup, the best solar battery solution on the market. Why are more and more homebuilders utilizing solar energy as part of their builds, and what are some important themes for clients in such situations to consider as they go about planning a new home construction process that involves solar? Here's a rundown.

Why Solar is Increasing in Popularity Among Homebuilders

There are several reasons why solar is on the rise among homebuilders. First, as mentioned, there are significant financial benefits to be gained by solar panel installation, both for the builder themselves and for their clients. Solar panels can provide a great deal of savings on energy costs over time, and this is money that can add up quickly, especially in cases where a home is outfitted with a larger solar array.

What's more, solar panels can actually increase the resale value of a home, making them a wise investment for any builder who is looking to create homes that will have good resale value down the line. And finally, as awareness of both the benefits of solar power and the technology continues to grow, it's becoming more and more common for people to want solar-powered homes.

Are you looking to hire a homebuilder to help you create the new home of your dreams -- and also looking to include solar themes in this process? Here are some basic tips we recommend keeping an eye on.

Up-Front and Long-Term Costs

When it comes to solar power, it's important to think about costs in multiple timeframes. There are up-front costs associated with solar panel installation, of course, but these are often offset by a variety of financial incentives -- including federal and state tax credits, as well as utility company rebates in some cases.

In other words, while there may be an initial investment required to get solar panels installed, this cost is often recouped over time as the savings on energy bills start to add up. Additionally, it's important to consider long-term costs and benefits; solar panels will continue to provide energy savings for years after installation, making them an extremely cost-effective choice in the long run.

That said, you need to take the time to precisely determine how much a solar installation will cost in order to get an accurate estimate of how long it will take for the savings to offset the initial investment. This is something our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar can help you with, so be sure to get in touch if you're interested in learning more.

Building Regulations

Before beginning any construction project, it's important to make sure that you're in compliance with all local building regulations. This is especially true when solar panels are involved, as there may be specific requirements regarding their installation.

Our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar is familiar with all relevant building codes and regulations, so we can help you ensure that your construction project is in compliance from the very beginning. This will save you time and hassle down the line, and will help ensure that your new home is built to last.

Coverage Area

Another important consideration when installing solar panels is the coverage area of your property. In order to get the most out of your solar investment, you'll want to make sure that the panels are installed in an area where they will receive the most direct sunlight possible.

It's important to realize that the size of a given solar power setup doesn't always directly relate to the size of the home in question. Rather, the number of solar panels you'll need depends on a variety of factors -- including the climate where you live, the average amount of sunlight your property receives, and how much energy you typically use.

Insolation Rating

Another factor that's extremely important when determining your precise solar power needs: Insolation rating, which refers to how much solar radiation a given location receives. The higher the insolation rating, the more solar radiation a property will receive on an annual basis.

This is something our team can help you determine, as we have access to detailed maps that show the insolation rating of various locations across the United States. With this information in hand, you'll be able to make a more informed decision about how many solar panels you'll need for your new home.

Surrounding Elements

As you may have already guessed, another vital consideration here is the surrounding elements. You'll want to take into account things like trees, buildings, and other obstructions that may shade your property and limit the amount of sunlight that reaches the solar panels.

Making sure that there is plenty of open space around your home is essential for getting the most out of a solar installation. If you're unsure about whether or not your property is a good candidate for solar, our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar can help you assess the situation and make a decision.

Orientation

Last but not least, it's important to consider the orientation of your home when installing solar panels. In order to maximize the amount of sunlight that reaches the panels, they should be installed on the south-facing roof of your home.

If this isn't possible, or if your home doesn't have a south-facing roof, don't worry -- there are still ways to make solar work for you. Our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar can help you assess the situation and determine the best way to install solar panels on your property.

Building a new home with solar power is becoming an increasingly popular option, thanks to the many benefits that solar energy can offer. Not only does installing solar panels increase the value of your home and help you save money on your energy bills, but they can also play a role in the overall quality and sustainability of the home moving forward. If you're looking to include solar in your new home construction process, contact the team at Intermountain Wind & Solar for assistance.

Power Your Home with Solar

Power Your Home with Solar

Get in touch with our experts now!
Schedule a consultation
Power Your Home with Solar
Solar reviews
Utah Dolar Energy
Top Solar Contractors
Utah Clean Energy
Accredited Business

"All of the photos on this website are of real projects that Intermountain Wind & Solar has designed and installed.
We are proud to show off and stand behind our work."

chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram