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Early evaluation of on-site renewables allows the team to shape massing, roof geometry, and shading devices to maximize solar harvest and minimize conflicts (mechanical equipment, penthouses, parapets). Reserving structural capacity for future PV, specifying roof loads and attachment zones, and routing conduits/space in electrical rooms drastically reduce retrofit costs and change orders. Coordinating with the utility on interconnection and setting aside switchgear capacity further speeds future deployment. LEED recognizes both installed on-site renewables and credible readiness strategies (paired with off-site procurement where applicable) as complementary pathways. Ignoring solar until late design often yields suboptimal roof layouts or expensive rework. Increasing lighting power undermines efficiency and cannot justify renewables. Waiting for utility bills delays learning and eliminates low-cost design-stage choices. Planning for PV from schematic design maintains optionality, aligns with energy modeling, and positions the project to add clean generation when budgets or incentives are favorable.