How To Plan For Solar When Building A New Home

Installing a solar system in a home allows homeowners to save money on electric bills and lessen their environmental impact. For new home builders, you have a unique opportunity to install your system while the home is being built, saving yourself the hassle of trying to fit a system into an existing home.

If you’ve already decided on building a solar-powered home, here are a few things to consider during the build to make it a seamless and cost-effective process.

Location of the home

The location of your new build will affect which type of solar system you should purchase. For example, if you are wanting to build your dream coastal home, you’ll need to purchase solar panels that are suitable for beach conditions and won’t experience corrosion from sea spray. You will also need to consider other factors if you’re purchasing in areas that see snow. No matter where you are located, an experienced solar panel installer can advise you on which system will match your new build.

Lay of the land

After you have found the perfect location for your new home the lay of the land is just as important. You’ll want to purchase a block of land that will be beneficial for your solar panels to get the best return on investment. Is the home surrounded by tall trees? Do multi-story buildings or homes block your sun for most of the day? Do you have the space to position your home correctly? These are things to consider when deciding which block of land to build on.

Design of the roof

Once you’ve secured your land, the first major consideration of the new home build should be the design of your roof. There are some standard or slender roofs that can’t support solar panels, so you will need to consult with your builders to ensure that your roof will be able to. You need to also work with your builders to design a roof that is facing the correct angle and in the best position for the panels.

Pre-wiring

Pre-wiring your home for your solar system during the construction phase will be a cost-effective move, rather than trying to wire the home after the walls are already up. It will also ensure that no visible cables are showing, which benefits the look and safety of your new home. Our team can pre-wire your home for your specific system for a smooth installation of solar panels later on.

Placement of inverter, switchboard & battery

Another thing you have control of when you plan for solar during a new home build is where everything will be positioned. We always advise our clients to place the switchboard and inverter next to each other, preferably in a cool, shaded spot like a garage. If you are purchasing a battery, you can also place that next to these controls, so everything is in one spot.

Contact Solar Service Group

Incorporating your solar system  installation into your new build will save you time, money, and hassle. To help the process run even smoother, our team is here to further advise on the type of solar system you should purchase and how to plan for it in your unique new build. If you are interested in saving money from the get-go in your new home, contact us today on 1300 40 41 42.