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For Builders

Photo of a Colorado home that has a 2-kilowatt solar electric system on its roof. The system is connected to the grid and meets nearly 100 percent of the homeowner's annual electricity needs.

This energy-efficient home in Boulder, Colorado, has a 2-kilowatt photovoltaic system installed, which will meet nearly 100 percent of the homeowner's annual electric needs. The photograph was taken at 7 a.m., during which the modules are slightly shaded. Typically, the modules see the full power of the sun throughout the day.

With new building-integrated solar technology, state rebates, federal tax credits, and energy-efficient mortgages, it's a great time to look into solar electricity.

Many builders across the country have found that energy efficient and solar houses will sell faster than competitive houses, saving builders significant costs they typically incur when holding onto unsold inventory.

More and more homeowners are also seeing the added value of solar homes because energy-efficient buildings are better buildings. They use less energy, cost less to operate, and improve comfort. They help the environment and our nation, improving our energy security, as well as the everyday lives of Americans.

Builders who are interested in incorporating solar into their building plans can use these resources to begin learning about the technology and the steps to consider when working with solar.

The Solar Energy Technologies Program's effort to provide information to builders is a work in progress. We welcome your feedback about what information and resources are most useful to you. Send a message to solarbuilderfeedback@nrel.gov and tell us about how we can better serve residential and commercial builders and the building industry in their efforts to go solar.

The following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.

A Homebuilder's Guide to Going Solar (PDF 1.5 MB) — helps builders assess the benefits of installing solar equipment or making houses "solar ready" to both their businesses and customers.

Making Cents Out of Solar (PDF 1.4 MB) — provides information on the basics of solar technology, benefits to builders and homeowners, and selling points for builders and realtors.

Planning for PV (PDF 688 KB) — discusses the cost of PV and provides a ballpark-cost estimator.

Solar Successes (PDF 812 KB) — highlights success stories from builders across the country who have integrated solar into their building plans.


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