As states and jurisdictions take actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many localities are considering ways to limit direct (from heating and cooling) and indirect (consumption of electricity by the building occupant) emissions from the building sector. One strategy for builders to consider is the integration or addition of solar photovoltaics (PV).
Getting Started
Did you know that enough energy from the sun hits the Earth every hour to power it for an entire year? The key is capturing that energy. This video from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) explains some basic concepts about how solar PV works.
If you are interested in a deeper dive into solar and current issues facing the industry, learn more below.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
The Basics
Learn about the components of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
Solar Mandate Pros & Cons
See examples to consider and questions to ask your local policymakers.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
Solar System Financing
Advantages and disadvantages of loans, leases and power purchase agreements.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
Solar PV and Grid Interconnection
Learn more about the process and working with local utilities.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
Solar PV Ready Roof
How to prepare a roof for future solar installation.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
Fire Safety & Solar PV
How to take fire precautions while installing a PV roof system.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
Community Solar
Understand the options to allow multiple people to benefit from solar energy.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
Battery Storage
Explore battery storage options for clients opting for solar.
![Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) meets with NAHB members.](/-/media/NAHB/education-and-events/images/meetings/legcon-2024-rep-costa-ca-1600x900.jpg?rev=085cd148bef34067b24b50212ccc2aff&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=91FA504E649EFB752BB8EC32D4FFE9D9)
Builder & Solar PV Installer Partnerships
A critical step to integrate solar into your business model.