A Home Builder’s Guide to Solar Installation with IE Construction

If you’re a home builder, there’s a good chance you’ve already noticed the rising trend of renewable energy. More specifically, the surging demand for solar-powered homes.

This isn’t just based on anecdotal reports, either. Residential solar power installations rose by 34% between 2020 and 2021, and 92% of homeowners have considered installing solar panels just to save money on their utility bills.

With states like California mandating solar installations for new builds under regulations like Title-24, integrating solar into your projects is no longer just a cool selling point. It’s an expectation.

Luckily, solar doesn’t have to be a daunting addition to your construction process. By partnering with a trusted solar installation team, you can streamline the integration, boost energy efficiency, and meet those growing sustainability demands without breaking stride.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how our solar installation process works so you can make your life easier – and your projects more appealing to modern buyers.

The Rise of Solar Power in New Home Construction

We’ll start by addressing the elephant in the room: why does solar matter so much in today’s housing market in the first place? It’s simple: sustainability sells.

Over 90% of home buyers cite energy efficiency as a “must-have” feature in a new home. And with energy costs rising, potential buyers are drawn to homes that promise lower utility bills through renewable energy solutions.

States like California have gone one step further, requiring solar installations under Title-24 regulations, thus making it mandatory for compliance in new builds.

Step-by-Step Guide to Our Solar Installation Process

Ignoring solar is no longer an option, but implementing it doesn’t need to be a nightmare. Let us introduce you to our streamlined process that integrates solar at every construction phase seamlessly.

Step 1: Competitive Bid Creation

We kick things off with a laser-focused bid tailored to your build. Using your plan sets, we evaluate key factors like roof orientation, elevation, electrical plans, and design.

But we don’t stop there. We also check your plans against compliance requirements like California’s Title-24 to make sure you won’t run into unexpected roadblocks.

Why do we do this? Starting with an accurate and competitive bid positions the project for success from the get-go. It also helps keep costs in check for both parties, which is always a win.

Step 2: Collaboration with Electrical Contractors and Roofers

Next, we team up with your existing construction crew. From aligning with electrical contractors to coordinating with roofers, our goal is to make solar installation fit seamlessly into your schedule.

Clear scopes of work also prevent scope creep, keeping all surprises (and extra costs) at bay. This also prevents miscommunications and delays, both of which can derail even the best project in a hurry.

Step 3: Solar Array Design for Each Lot, Model, and Community

Every home, lot, and model is unique, which means cookie-cutter solar designs just won’t cut it. We customize our solar arrays for each lot and community, optimizing for maximum energy production.

Fun fact? Custom designs not only make the best use of available space but also improve efficiency, making your projects even more appealing to potential buyers.

Step 4: Providing Permit-Ready Plan Set

Here’s where we save you from permit purgatory. We provide error-free, compliant plan sets that are ready for approval. Think: permits without the pain.

Ultimately, we recognize that streamlining the permitting process is key, since it minimizes delays and keeps your project timeline running smoothly.

Step 5: Rough-In Phase Integration

Next, it’s time for the rough-in phase. This is where we get to work wiring the solar system. We’ll align ourselves with your construction schedule to make sure everything is wired correctly and ready for the next steps.

As a general rule of thumb, the rough-in phase is simply when all the electrical components, framing, and plumbing are installed, but wall surfaces have been closed up yet. This is an ideal time to integrate solar, since completing this step early on saves time and prevents rework later.

Step 6: Trim Phase Solar Panel Installation

Once the home is near completion, we install the solar panels themselves. This is generally done during the trim phase, since it helps us make sure the panels are in place without disrupting other finishing touches to the home.

Careful coordination matters here, since we want to make sure nobody is stepping on each other’s toes. We keep things efficient, tidy, and professional.

Step 7: Final Construction Inspections

With construction wrapping up, we’ll help coordinate inspections to make sure the solar installation is functioning perfectly and meets all compliance standards. We work directly with inspectors to confirm everything checks out. This way, you can focus on finishing the home while we cover the solar approvals on our end.

Step 8: Permission to Operate (PTO) Monitoring

Permission to Operate (PTO) is the final regulatory hurdle before a residential solar system can connect to the grid and start generating power. We monitor this process carefully to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Remember, this is a step you can’t skip: without PTO, the system won’t be operational, and that’s not something your buyers want to hear. We’ll make sure this process is handled smoothly.

Step 9: Homeowner Assistance at Certificate of Occupancy (COO)

Once the homes are ready for buyers to move in, we help homeowners power up their solar systems. From a quick walkthrough to answer their questions to helping them understand how to track their usage, we’re here to make that turnover as seamless as possible.

This little detail is one we’re proud of: remember, happy, empowered homeowners reflect positively on you as the builder, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer this as part of our process.

Step 10: Workmanship Warranty for Homeowners

Finally, we back up our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty. This covers any defects and offers long-term peace of mind for the homeowner.

The beauty of this for buyers is that they can trust the quality of the solar installation, which increases their confidence in the home overall. And you? You come out looking like a rockstar builder for choosing the most reputable solar partner possible.

Final Thoughts

With renewable energy becoming a non-negotiable in home construction, integrating solar power isn’t just about meeting buyer expectations—it’s about staying ahead of the curve.

And the good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

By partnering with a dedicated solar installation team like ours, you can deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes with zero hassle.

Want to simplify your solar installations and delight your homeowners? Contact us today to get started! Together, we can make your next project shine brighter than ever (literally).

• Category: Blog