Home with solar panels on roof

A Builder’s Toolkit for Solar

Sustainability and Green Building
Contact: Sustainability and Green Building
sustainability@nahb.org

As states and jurisdictions take actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many localities are considering ways to limit direct (from heating and cooling) and indirect (consumption of electricity by the building occupant) emissions from the building sector. One strategy for builders to consider is the integration or addition of solar photovoltaics (PV).

Getting Started

Did you know that enough energy from the sun hits the Earth every hour to power it for an entire year? The key is capturing that energy. This video from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) explains some basic concepts about how solar PV works.

If you are interested in a deeper dive into solar and current issues facing the industry, learn more below.

External Resources Check out this list of industry resources for additional information.
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The Basics

Learn about the components of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array.

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Solar Mandate Pros & Cons

See examples to consider and questions to ask your local policymakers.

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Solar System Financing

Advantages and disadvantages of loans, leases and power purchase agreements.

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Solar PV and Grid Interconnection

Learn more about the process and working with local utilities.

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Solar PV Ready Roof

How to prepare a roof for future solar installation.

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Fire Safety & Solar PV

How to take fire precautions while installing a PV roof system.

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Community Solar

Understand the options to allow multiple people to benefit from solar energy.

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Battery Storage

Explore battery storage options for clients opting for solar.

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Builder & Solar PV Installer Partnerships

A critical step to integrate solar into your business model.

Solar Equipment Companies and Manufacturers

Learning more about major equipment manufacturers, installers and financing options can be helpful to get a sense of the types of offerings in the market.

More information