The First Mars Habitat

The atmosphere of Mars is over 100 times thinner then that of Earth, which leaves the surface of the planet open to wide ranging temperature differences and radiation. This will affect building structures wear and tear as they expand and contract. Anything organic will also be subject to a higher amount of surface radiation, which includes both plant and animal.

Rather then shipping extra shielding from Earth, go underground.

The distance from the sun gives Mars roughly 40% of the sunlight that Earth gets. This is the equivalent to a cloudy day. To maximize the amount of light for power creation and to enable photosynthesis, reflectors would be used to direct and amplify the light.

The base would be built into the ground that slopes upward to where the mirrors are located at the peak of the slope. Behind those are sensors and communications satelite. At the base of the slope you would have the power generating unit that would be similar to molten salt being used to make steam