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Planning Solar for a New Home Build

Building a new home? Here’s how to make it solar-ready.

There’s no better time to start thinking about solar than when you’re building your home.  Designing a solar-ready home can help you save on installation costs and maximize your systems performance for years to come.

 

Tips for building a solar-ready home

  • Plan your roof design wisely
      1. The ideal roof orientation is south-facing, with panels tilted between 30° and 45°.
      2. Avoid complex rooflines with multiple dormers or angles that may reduce available space for solar panels.
  • Be strategic with roof obstructions
      1. Place vents, chimneys, and skylights away from large open areas where solar panels would ideally be installed.
  • Choose the right roofing material
      1. Asphalt shingles are the easiest and most affordable surface for solar installations.
      2. Slate or wood roofs can increase installation costs and may limit installer availability.

  • Plan for adequate electrical capacity
    1. Ask your builder or electrician to install a 200-amp main electrical panel (or larger if you plan to add EV chargers or batteries later).
    2. Make sure there’s space to run a conduit from the roof to the main panel.

 

💡 Tip: The earlier you plan for solar, the easier (and cheaper) it is to integrate later — even if you don’t install panels right away.

See more solar-ready design tips

Frequently asked questions:

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

There’s no exact formula — everyone uses energy differently.
As a rule of thumb, consider maxing out your southern-facing roof space to future-proof your system.

You can also use the Department of Energy’s load calculator to estimate usage based on your planned appliances and habits.
Installers can help refine these estimates based on experience with similar homes.

Learn more about understanding electricity load

 

Can I get solar quotes for my new home before construction is complete? 

Yes! Installers can provide preliminary quotes based on your roof plans and project timeline. 

To get started:

  1. Register for quotes and enter your ZIP code.
  2. Submit our Solar For New Construction form and include a copy of your roof plans and an estimated completion date.

Once we receive those details, we’ll share them with installers who can assess your design and provide accurate proposals.

💡 Tip: Even if your home isn’t finished, early quotes can help you plan system size, financing, and future cost savings.

 

 

Should I consider solar shingles or integrated solar roofing?

Solar shingles can be a visually appealing option for new homes, but they are generally more expensive than traditional solar panels. They  can be  cost-competitive in  new construction projects where roofing and solar are installed simultaneously — but keep in mind:

⚠️ Note: EnergySage does not source quotes for solar shingles or solar roofing on our marketplace.

 Learn more about solar shingles.

Key takeaways

  • Plan for south-facing, unshaded roof sections.
  • Use solar-friendly materials (avoid slate or wood).
  • Ensure your electrical panel is at least 200 amps.
  • You can request quotes before construction is complete by providing roof plans and timelines.