If you want to build sustainable custom homes in the Fraser Valley, solar panels will play an integral role. Solar panels allow you to use the renewable energy of the sun while drastically reducing your carbon footprint. When building a custom home, there are things to consider to make sure you’re able to take advantage of solar gains in the future.
O’Brien Contracting is a luxury custom homes contractor in Chilliwack that focuses on green building. They share more:
Build to maximize sun exposure
If you’re building a new home, consider how much sun hits the ground in any given area on your lot. Things like trees, neighbouring homes, and other obstructions should all be taken into consideration. Talk to your home builder about positioning the home so that future panels would be most exposed to sunlight.
Not only is the location of the lot and home important, but also the direction the slope of the roof faces. South-facing slopes are best when it comes to sun exposure. If it’s not possible to have your roof slanting towards the south, a combination of solar panel locations can still maximize the insolation value of your solar system.
Design the roof with solar in mind
When designing the roof, make sure no vents, plumbing stacks, or other obstructions will get in the way of solar panels. You don’t want to build a new home with a future solar plan in mind, only to discover that retrofits for those things will be required to make it happen. Designing your roof for solar placement is something O’Brien Contracting, Chilliwack renovation contractors, can help you with, including choosing a roofing type that works best for solar panel installation.
Calculate how much power you need
How much renewable energy you need to power your home will determine how large your solar system should be. You can figure this out by looking at your electricity bill. It will show how much kWh you use per day. A solar panel will typically produce a maximum of 120 watts per day, depending on the weather. A professional can help you calculate how many panels you’ll need to meet your energy needs. Then they can incorporate the size, slope, and location of the solar panel installation on your home building plans.
Ensure the home is solar-ready
If you’re not installing the solar system right away, you still want to make sure your home is ready for it. Location and capacity needs are key considerations. You’ll also have to ensure the electrical work and utility room is ready for your future solar system. Read these solar-ready guidelines.
Roughing in electrical for a solar system during the home building process is the most cost-effective way to do it. A conduit will have to run through the home from the roof to the electrical panel. Installing this conduit is easier when the walls are open in the home. Plus, you’ll need to make sure the electrical panel has enough capacity to operate a solar system, and that there is space in the utility room.
If you’re interested in an efficient home renovation in Vancouver, contact O’Brien Contracting!
