# Integrating Solar Into New Construction Makes Dollars and Sense

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/03/integrating-solar-into-new-construction-makes-dollars-and-sense/
- Published: 2018-03-01T13:19:02-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

If you are involved in constructing a new building, whether its a logistics center,
a manufacturing plant or a multi-family residence, most likely installing solar 
panels was mentioned at some point in the process. Solar panels from solar power
are being integrated into more and more new constructions, and some cities, like
San Francisco and [Miami, already made it mandatory](https://www.constructiondive.com/news/south-miami-mandates-rooftop-solar-for-new-homes/445695/).
Major real estate owners, like Wal-Mart and Prologis, make sure all their buildings
are designed ready to install solar power panels, as they understand it is inevitable
that one day most large flat roof buildings will provide energy to themselves.

This transition is happening not only due to state and local mandates, or for environmental
and energy security reasons. Rooftop solar is a great investment that can make you
hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars and has a return on investment
of just 3-5 years. It increases the life of the roof, and the value of the property.
Every owner, architect and general contractor should consider how they can integrate
solar in their new construction.

![SolarKal](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_3658.
jpg?resize=300%2C82&quality=52&ssl=1)

## But where do you start? Should you integrate solar into new construction or just wait until later?

## **No Muss, No Fuss**

The first thing to note is that adding solar to a new building doesn’t mean you 
need to redesign the whole building. In fact, only minor adjustments, if any at 
all, will be needed. However, there are some things to consider that will make the
process of switching to solar easier. By planning ahead and integrating solar during
construction, you can tap into efficiencies during construction and save money.

For example, you should ensure the structural load of the roof can support a solar
PV system. Most roofs can support solar without structural reinforcements, but if
your current building design can’t support solar power, you want to catch this early
on before you begin construction.

![Solar power. If you are involved in constructing a new building, whether its a
logistics center, a manufacturing plant or a multi-family residence, most likely
installing solar panels was mentioned at some point in the process. Solar panels
are being integrated into more and more new constructions, and some cities, like
San Francisco and Miami, already made it mandatory. Major real estate owners, like
Wal-Mart and Prologis, make sure all their buildings are designed ready to install
solar, as they understand it is inevitable that one day most large flat roof buildings
will provide energy to themselves.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2018/03/solarkal-new-construction-1024x682.jpg?resize=150%2C100&quality=
52&ssl=1)

## **Brighten up the Bottom Line**

You can also integrate solar into your building design, saving money by making the
solar installation process more efficient. A few examples of this include strategic
placement of rooftop HVAC units and integrating the solar system’s electrical wiring
and equipment into your building design. This type of planning will lower your overall
cost of solar installation.

## **Get In and Get Out**

The last thing to consider is that installing solar during construction minimizes
the disruption to your operations. Once your building is operational, installing
solar will have minimal impact on your day-to-day wort. But it is always better 
to complete the installation before people are in the building. That way, you will
be producing clean energy and saving money from day one.

## **The Future is Bright**

Thousands of companies install [solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/tesla-batteries-made-by-panasonic-usa-inside-model-3-gigafactory/)
after the building is complete, but some forward thinking can make your solar installation
cheaper and more efficient. SolarKal can walk you through this process. Moreover,
ensuring your new building is ready for solar and identifying various cost efficiencies
to help lower the cost. Whether you’re a business owner or a [commercial real estate](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/08/indias-show-states-are-stepping-ahead-energy-efficiency-scorecard/)
developer, solar is an excellent investment opportunity, and integrating solar into
a building during construction only gives an added boost to the economy.

**_Source: SolarKal by _By Yaniv Kalish_, _**_[SolarKal.com](https://solarkal.com/)_

Copyright © 2018 SolarKal, All rights reserved.