Planning Solar for New Home Construction: How to Optimize Benefits

If you’re building a new home, adding solar panels is one of the most worthwhile decisions you can make. The upfront investment is invaluable, delivering immediate benefits and long-term savings while setting your home apart. And homebuyers value them too. According to a 2025 National Association of Realtors (NAR) study, energy-efficient features are a growing priority for buyers.

Still, it’s important to plan carefully so the long-term benefits outweigh the immediate construction costs. In this Redfin article, we bring you tips from All Energy Solar to help guide your decision, whether you’re building in St. Paul, MN or Phoenix, AZ.

Benefits of going solar

Going solar on a new home build has many upsides, offering financial perks and helping the environment.

Environmental impact

When you add solar to new construction, your home runs on clean energy from the sun rather than depending on power produced by fossil fuels. This shift reduces greenhouse gas emissions, cuts back on air pollution, and reduces the overall strain on the environment. 

By relying less on traditional energy sources, your home supports a healthier atmosphere and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Cost savings

By going solar, you can lower your monthly utility bills and protect yourself from rising energy costs over time. Many homeowners also benefit from state or local rebates to offset upfront installation expenses and make going solar even more affordable.

Increased home value

Adding solar to a new construction home can boost its resale value. Homes with solar panels sell for up to 6.9% more than similar homes without them. By including solar early on, you’re not only saving on energy costs but also making your home more appealing to future buyers.

Installing solar in new construction: Step-by-step

Installing solar on a new home involves five key steps. Understanding this process can help you plan effectively, maximize savings, and ensure a smooth installation.

• Site evaluation: During construction planning, experts assess your roof orientation, shading, and structural design to determine optimal panel placement and system size.
• Financing: Homeowners can explore financing options like solar loans to leases, to plan for upfront costs and long-term savings.
• Incentives and rebates: Federal tax credits, state programs, and local utility incentives can significantly reduce costs.
• Design and installation: Your new home’s custom solar system is installed by licensed professionals. Panels are optimally positioned, safely integrated with the electrical system, and fully code-compliant.
• Ongoing support and maintenance: This ensures the system operates efficiently and continues to deliver energy and cost savings over time.

6 Tips for optimizing solar in new construction

New construction is the perfect time to integrate solar energy for maximum benefits. Here are some key strategies to ensure your home captures the full benefits of solar energy:

1. Plan early

During the design phase, your builder and solar professionals can work together to position your roof for better sun exposure, reinforce structural areas that will support the panels, and incorporate conduit pathways directly into the walls. 

Early planning also helps you avoid modifications later on, saving you time, money, and ensuring your solar system blends beautifully with the architecture of your home.

2. Understand your consumption levels

Start with a clear picture of how much energy your home will use. During the planning stage, take time to review expected electricity needs based on your home’s size, layout, and the appliances and HVAC systems you plan to install. Be sure to think ahead. Additions like an electric vehicle charger, a finished basement, or a heat pump can all increase future energy demand.

3. Consider roof orientation and shading

South-facing roofs typically deliver the best year-round exposure, but every property is unique. Trees, chimneys, dormers, and nearby buildings can cast shade that reduces efficiency, especially during peak sunlight hours.

With an early review of your roof’s orientation and potential shading, your team can determine the best placement for panels or recommend alternatives like a different roof plane or even a ground-mounted system.

4. Make sure the area is accessible

Create a plan for safe installation and long-term maintenance. Confirm that your roof or ground-mounted location is structurally sound, easy for installers to reach, and spacious enough to support the number of panels required to meet your energy goals.

5. Explore incentives and rebates

Take advantage of state programs, local community incentives, net metering, and more. Planning solar early allows you to maximize these financial benefits, reducing upfront costs and improving long-term savings.

6. Work with experienced professionals

Partnering with professionals like All Energy Solar ensures your system is safe, code-compliant, and optimized for long-term performance. Expert guidance helps with every step including sizing, placement, and selecting equipment that meets your energy goals.

The lasting benefits of solar for your new home

Adding solar to your new construction home delivers many benefits: lower energy costs, increased home value, and a reduced environmental footprint. Planning early ensures you get the most from your investment and helps your home appeal to buyers if you sell in the future. By working with experienced professionals, you can simplify the process and enjoy the advantages of solar from day one.