Optimal solar access can increase a property's value, reduce energy bills, and enhance indoor mood and well-being.
Solar access is more than just an aesthetic bonus for your home, it’s an untapped power source that can drastically reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. By considering the sun’s path and optimizing your home’s positioning and design, you unlock the potential for passive solar gain – a free heat source during cooler months. This not only saves you money but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, helping to combat climate change. Furthermore, a sun-drenched home opens doors to solar panel installation, a renewable energy source that can power your entire home. When viewed in this light, securing a home with good solar access becomes not just a personal benefit, but a contribution to a greener, healthier world.
Pros
- Energy Savings & Sustainability: Lots with superior solar access have the potential to harness more sunlight, which, when combined with solar panels, can generate significant energy savings. Over time, homeowners could drastically reduce or even eliminate their electricity bills compared to homes relying solely on non-renewable energy sources.
- Enhanced Well-being: Natural sunlight plays a vital role in human health, aiding vitamin D synthesis, improving mood, and regulating circadian rhythms. Compared to properties in shaded areas, residents of sunnier homes often report better mental and physical health.
- Increased Property Value: As renewable energy becomes increasingly paramount, properties with optimal solar access can command higher market prices, offering homeowners a lucrative long-term investment.
Cons
- Overheating & Cooling Costs: Excessive sunlight can lead to increased indoor temperatures. Without proper insulation and shading techniques, homeowners might experience higher air-conditioning costs compared to shaded properties.
- Maintenance: Solar panels, which are most effective on sun-rich lots, require periodic cleaning and maintenance to remain efficient.
- Landscaping Limitations: To maintain high solar access, tall trees or structures that could block the sun might be discouraged or limited, potentially reducing green cover and aesthetic landscaping opportunities compared to more shaded lots.
Cost
1Location
In areas where real estate is at a premium, such as coastal cities or popular urban locales, the cost of a sunny lot can be significantly higher than in rural or less developed areas.
2Lot Size
Larger lots are generally more expensive. However, for solar PV installation, the orientation and amount of unshaded space is more crucial than the overall lot size.
3Local Solar Initiatives
Some municipalities or states offer incentives or rebates for solar installations which can reduce the effective cost of securing a solar-friendly lot.
Range of Costs (or Savings):
Premium Over Standard Practice:
The “solar premium” for a sunny lot varies. But as solar energy grows in popularity and if a particular lot is deemed “solar-ready” (meaning it has optimal orientation, minimal shading, and possibly infrastructure for solar installations), the premium might range from 5% to 20% or more compared to a similar lot not optimized for solar.
Hiring Pros
- Research Professionals: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Ask for References: Once you’ve identified potential experts, ask for references from past clients. Hearing firsthand about their experiences can offer invaluable insights into the expert’s competence and reliability.
- Review Past Projects: Evaluate the expert’s past work, ensuring they have experience specifically with lot evaluations for solar potential.
- Check Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the professional has the necessary state licensing and insurance coverage. This protects you from potential liabilities and ensures you’re working with a qualified individual.
- Assess Communication Skills: Your expert should be approachable, willing to answer questions, and capable of explaining complex concepts in understandable terms. Effective communication is crucial to ensuring your needs are met.
Do It Yourself
- Get Informed: Start your search with trusted books & websites such as those found in our resources.
- Solar Insolation Maps: Utilize online solar insolation maps to determine the average daily solar radiation in your desired area. These maps will give you an idea of the solar potential in different regions.
- Evaluate Lot Orientation: Ideally, the lot should allow for panels to face south in the Northern Hemisphere, capturing maximum sunlight. Look for open areas without tall obstructions.
- Consider Future Shade Sources: Think long-term. Will neighboring structures or trees potentially shade the lot in the future? Account for growth and development.
- Local Zoning and Restrictions: Before purchasing, ensure that local regulations and homeowner association (HOA) rules support the installation of solar panels and any required infrastructure.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Holistic Site Analysis
Before conceptualizing the layout, conduct a comprehensive site analysis. Use tools like solar pathfinders or sun charting software to understand sun patterns specific to the lot throughout the year. This analysis ensures your design will maximize solar potential and integrate passive solar strategies.
2Prioritize Lot Orientation
The orientation of the building plays a pivotal role in energy efficiency. Aim to design longer facades facing north and south, minimizing east and west exposures. This not only maximizes solar panel efficiency but also optimizes passive solar gains and minimizes overheating.
3Incorporate Flexible Roof Design
A roof with minimal obstructions, such as chimneys or dormers, provides more space for solar panels. Design a roof with a slope that’s optimized for solar collection, taking into account the specific latitude of the location.
For the Builder:
1Infrastructure Pre-planning
Before construction, plan for solar infrastructure by installing conduits and ensuring the roof can support the additional weight of panels.
2Collaboration with Solar Experts
Engage with solar installation professionals during the construction phase. Their insights will ensure seamless integration of the solar system post-construction.
3Source Solar-Ready Materials
Use materials that complement solar installations. For instance, choose roofing materials that can withstand the heat produced by solar panels or offer ease of panel attachment. This prepares the site for an efficient and straightforward solar panel installation.
1Holistic Site Analysis
Before conceptualizing the layout, conduct a comprehensive site analysis. Use tools like solar pathfinders or sun charting software to understand sun patterns specific to the lot throughout the year. This analysis ensures your design will maximize solar potential and integrate passive solar strategies.
1Infrastructure Pre-planning
Before construction, plan for solar infrastructure by installing conduits and ensuring the roof can support the additional weight of panels.
2Prioritize Lot Orientation
The orientation of the building plays a pivotal role in energy efficiency. Aim to design longer facades facing north and south, minimizing east and west exposures. This not only maximizes solar panel efficiency but also optimizes passive solar gains and minimizes overheating.
2Collaboration with Solar Experts
Engage with solar installation professionals during the construction phase. Their insights will ensure seamless integration of the solar system post-construction.
3Incorporate Flexible Roof Design
A roof with minimal obstructions, such as chimneys or dormers, provides more space for solar panels. Design a roof with a slope that’s optimized for solar collection, taking into account the specific latitude of the location.
3Source Solar-Ready Materials
Use materials that complement solar installations. For instance, choose roofing materials that can withstand the heat produced by solar panels or offer ease of panel attachment. This prepares the site for an efficient and straightforward solar panel installation.
Resources
Websites:
Computation path of the sun for any location (https://www.suncalc.org) – The U.S. Department of Energy’s site provides extensive information on solar technologies and policies.
- Shadowmap (https://shadowmap.org/#) – Use Shadowmap to plan with the Sun by visualizing sunlight and shadows anywhere on the Planet.
