Are you looking into solar for a new house or building? We love when folks reach out about integrating solar into the design of a new project.

Here are a few things we can advise to make sure your new site is as solar-ready as possible.

 

Roof type: 

Solar panels are easily installed on asphalt shingles or a metal roof. 

Note: We cannot install a roof-top array on slate or cedar shingles, and we cannot install on clay tiles. 

Roof obstructions: 

One of the most challenging things we encounter when installing roof-top panels is obstructions such as dormers, skylights, chimneys or bathroom vent pipes. Solar panels will need to be installed on the most southern exposed section of your roof, so it is ideal if you can either concentrate any obstructions on the north facing side, or try to keep them in a designated section of your other available roof space. This allows us to take advantage of the sunniest parts of your roof and maximize the area we can fit panels.

Planning for a ground-mounted array? We’d love to take a look at the spot you’re considering. Follow this link for guidance about how to capture coordinates for the area you’re thinking about. 

Note: A ground-mount will need to be located in a fairly flat area – anything with more than a 10 degree slope will diminish the production of the system. 

Electric needs: 

If you can include a chase that runs from your attic to your electrical box, this will allow us to avoid running wiring on the outside of your home. 

Building plans and construction:

If you have your design plans already, we can take a look at your blueprints and provide advice, we can also have our electricians connect with your electricians to ensure your home is solar-ready. 

For Prefab Metal Buildings: 

For a metal building to be solar-ready, the structure will need to have wooden purlins and preferably wooden decking as well. This is to ensure that the building is structurally sound enough to support the added weight of solar panels. Additionally, using wood, rather than just metal, also provides grounding for the electrical components of the system. 

Already have your location? 

If you have the address or coordinates for where you plan to build, we would be happy to assess the site for sun exposure and determine the optimal location for a solar array. Please also let us know if you plan to make changes to the site, such as removing trees. 

Need help pinpointing your coordinates? Follow this link for a how-to guide.

We’d love to keep in touch as your project moves forward and we can’t wait to welcome you to the Sun Miner Club!

Please fill out the form on the right side of this page to start a file with us so we can be sure to keep you on track for every step of the way.