Can you only install solar on an existing building?

Solar installations are viable for both new construction projects and existing buildings.

New construction advantages: You have a brand-new roof with full warranty coverage and complete structural documentation. The site is already under construction so solar doesn't interrupt operations. Solar can be designed into the building plan from the start, optimizing placement and system size. The building contractor manages a single coordinated construction timeline.

Existing building advantages:

• Immediate energy savings without waiting for new construction.

• Flexibility in sizing since the roof and building are established.

• Potential to align solar with a planned roof replacement for cost efficiency.

For existing buildings, the best candidates are those with new roofs or roofs nearing end-of-life that are scheduled for replacement. Assess your roof condition, type, slope, and structural capacity before committing to solar.