Raising the Roof

June 16, 2025

Words by Megan Felling | Photos by Chris Meyer

New-home buyers optimize their energy—and aesthetics—when planning up front for solar panels.

olar energy continues to increase in popularity—now among luxury homeowners—as sustainability and energy independence gain traction.

Kyle and Jessica Perez with PLS Consulting, a local full-service solar installation company, say they are seeing this trend in custom-built homes and communities. “Many HOAs have standard language to not allow solar, but we are starting to see a few allow solar,” Kyle says.

PLS is passionate about bringing clean energy to all homeowners, businesses and farms in the Kansas City metro area.

“As a renewable source of power, solar energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate negative impacts of modern society on our environment,” Jessica explains. “Our clients are most interested in solar for the financial and investment benefits. It’s very likely you’ll be eligible to recoup more than half of what you spend on your solar installation in tax benefits.”

Kyle notes five reasons to consider adding solar panels: utility cost savings, tax incentives of 30-60 percent, a 25-year investment, potential increased property values, and environmental friendliness.

“Our clients also tend to feel a sense of pride in controlling their own energy production. With solar energy, you produce your power yourself,” he says.

Craig and Allison A. added solar panels to their Cedar Creek home about a year ago—they were among the first homeowners in the area to do so.

“We became interested in solar energy mainly because my wife, Allison, is interested in being less reliant on fossil fuels in an effort to combat climate change,” Craig says. “The solar panels have markedly reduced our electrical bill so that there is a minimal charge each month.”

Our clients tend to feel a sense of pride in taking control over their own energy production. With solar energy, you produce your power yourself.”
~ Solar energy expert Kyle Perez

Early planning and design are important when incorporating panels in a new-construction home because designers and installers can suggest roof layouts that are a better fit for solar. This also allows designers to pre-plan electrical pathways and wiring through the walls that can be installed prior to insulation versus having it exposed on the exterior of the home when done after construction.

Taylor Erickson of Erickson Build Co. agrees that knowing up front in the design process that the home will be solar-powered is helpful. He recently worked on a new construction project in Old Leawood that incorporated solar panels in less-than-ideal circumstances. Sections of panels on that project had to be split up because of complicated roof lines.

“The home also had a metal roof on the back section, and the metal shouldn’t be penetrated, so it can be tricky to find the ideal location,” he adds.

Some homeowners balk at the aesthetic look that panels might convey. But, generally, solar panels do not affect the look of a house as they are placed on the back or sides of a residential roof, which makes them somewhat elusive. Solar panels have become much sleeker over the years, with all-black panels being king, and blue and silver becoming less utilized (though they are still used in commercial settings quite often). They sit about three to four inches off of the roof with a tight fit for a more uniform look.

“Nine out of ten homeowners are not concerned with the panels being visible,” notes Jessica, “and after installation, many love the look.”

PLS Solar, @pls_solar

Erickson Build Co, @ericksonbuildco