How to plan for solar panels for a new home?

Everyone has a dream to build their own new home. But building a new home is very challenging and a difficult process as well. There are so many things one should keep in mind such as finding the perfect block of land in the best suburbs, selecting the right builder and other things like furnishings, colours, fittings etc.

If you decide to install solar panels on your rooftop when your home is being built, you can ensure that your home is designed with solar PV systems. While your solar energy system doesn’t need to be at the centre of all your home design decisions, anticipating and eliminating potential issues at the time of construction is a lot easier than trying to work around them later.

The “ideal” solar home has a south-facing roof to capture as much sunlight as possible over the course of the day.  Every roof types are suitable for solar installation but some roof types will be difficult for the solar installers to work with. Slate tiles and cedar shingle roofs are fragile and need extra equipment to work with which costs very high.  So it is better to think about BIPV before completing the new home construction. BIPV is Building Integrated Photovoltaic like solar roof tiles. Because BIPV is installed as part of your home’s roof, rather than on top of it, the installation process is much simpler if it is undertaken when you are building your roof.

Consider the following tips if you decide to install solar panels during your new home construction:

Lay of the Land

Choose the perfect block of land because the way it is shaped can have some major impact on the efficiency of your solar panels. It is suggested to buy a flat block or one with a hill on the western or southern side as the sun will hit your solar panels. You can also go for a coastal block because it’s worth checking with your electricity provider in case you need to install solar panels. Power authorities such as Western Power ought to check that your panels are going to be able to face up to the harsh coastal conditions.

Shade

Once you've taken the landscape into account, you need to consider whether other objects are likely to pop up nearby that might cast shade onto your rooftop solar system. Imagine the impact of a multi-story building going in right next door, shading your roof for half the day! Also consider the type of vegetation surrounding your block of land, as large shade trees can be a problem.

Roof Design

In most cases, a north facing roof will enable your solar panels to capture as much sunlight as possible. If north facing isn't an option, a western orientation is your next best option. Satellite dishes, TV aerials, chimneys, awnings, shade sails or air conditioning systems all have the potential to reduce your solar output. Try and position these items well away from your solar panels. On a pitched roof, consider installing these objects on the opposing side. If you’re considering a home with a flat roof, don’t forget that you’ll need to position your solar panels on an angle to capture as much solar energy as possible. Bearing this in mind, you may be better off choosing a more conventional roof design if you have your heart set on going solar.

Seek Advice Made It Simple

Along with your builder and designer, it's worth discussing with an experienced solar installation company that will help you properly plan for solar in your new home. The solar technicians can advise you on the best wiring, orientation and design options for your home, based on your specific location and individual needs.

Keep Yourself Up-to-Date

It’s a fact of life that government rebates and solar incentives often change from year to year. Don’t stress out trying to work out what you’re entitled to. Be up-to-date with changes to government policies on solar power and be free from those headaches.

Pre-Wiring and Pre-Laying Your Solar Panels

If you have the option of pre-installing the wiring for your solar power system during the build, it will make life much easier for your solar installer, saving them time and saving you money. It is also recommended to install a solar-ready electricity meter (a net-meter) right from the start so you won't need to replace it when the time comes to connect your home solar system.

Finally, if you view your new home as an investment, there’s one more benefit you may not have considered: installing solar on your new home will actually increase your property value. Research has shown that homes with solar panels sell for significantly more than similar homes without them. In fact, solar panels can add tens of thousands of dollars to your home’s value. Consult the best solar installation company in Kerala and plan to decorate your rooftops with solar panels. Hurry Up!