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.
![Solar Panel Design Plan](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-the-basics-1600x900.jpg?rev=cbf8d4ee188447dc9fcdf5709c1cf4c5&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=ECCCA375CC04B23C8DC6894D43BC14B5)
The Basics
Learn about the components of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array.
![Solar Mandate](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-solar-mandate-1600x900.jpg?rev=5ab99636bab048639147a8787d2f7b08&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=4D2FEC230FA766BD9A1AC2FA5494A274)
Solar Mandate Pros & Cons
See examples to consider and questions to ask your local policymakers.
![Couple consulting a professional about solar system](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-solar-system-financing-1600x900.jpg?rev=4d2ed806ac2f475cba6f4b250dc76e92&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=835044A3B76B9E5E2279E25C2D00583F)
Solar System Financing
Advantages and disadvantages of loans, leases and power purchase agreements.
![Solar grid Interconnection concept](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-solar-pv-grid-interconnection-1600x900.jpg?rev=a2a5f2907f72488f94cd0aa96859b1b9&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=AC6E63411025EF37B5FC07FCDF148736)
Solar PV and Grid Interconnection
Learn more about the process and working with local utilities.
![Solar Toolkit Intro Collaboration](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-solar-pv-ready-roof-1600x900.jpg?rev=5d2b663137a74cffba7be0df23649a64&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=F266CFA9D4ABDBB7C6354868829FBF40)
Solar PV Ready Roof
How to prepare a roof for future solar installation.
![Firefighter on solar panel roof](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-fire-safety-solar-pv-1600x900.jpg?rev=38e4596d57bd4b2583b8cee81c1b969c&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=29152EB9A5CE42C5F3C95C79B783DC56)
Fire Safety & Solar PV
How to take fire precautions while installing a PV roof system.
![Solar array on the green in a neighborhood](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-community-solar-1600x900.jpg?rev=c7cb8372864249ea98783f43e7a1413a&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=DD4137BDD258C145D1D673A5D108DBE4)
Community Solar
Understand the options to allow multiple people to benefit from solar energy.
![Solar battery storage in a garage](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-battery-storage-1600x900.jpg?rev=5d3a1b062dfc4edabbd1ef5309b90772&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=2ED1619A2D2E023A674ED730EF96117E)
Battery Storage
Explore battery storage options for clients opting for solar.
![Builders shaking hands over a table](/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/images/toolkits/solar-toolkit/promo-solar-pv-partnerships-1600x900.jpg?rev=1c46f0d36aec4c3197f625f0b8a2d731&h=346&w=615&la=en&hash=0A16A0BCD141B6C704B06C187162E2AA)
Builder & Solar PV Installer Partnerships
A critical step to integrate solar into your business model.