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The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

  • 1.  The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-18-2021 11:01 AM
    Many residents fear that solar panels on their homes are deemed to be an "eye soar" and changes their desired look of their home. We all want our homes to look a certain way and many residents fear solar panels will alter the design. How can consultants and installers encourage installing solar panels to those who fear their home's aesthetic will change?

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    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
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  • 2.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    ASES Life Member
    Posted 02-18-2021 10:16 PM
    Hi Ben,

    sure, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

    Some people like the way PV looks on their rooftops, but understood not everyone feels the same way and may consider itan "eyesore."

    There are a variety of methods to integrate a PV power system into a residence to make it less noticeable. 

    There are PV modules that also serve a double function as roofing shingles and are not readily obvious, such as SunSlates roofing tiles and many others.

    In the deseert Southwest, many homes use a Pueblo design with flat roofs, so the PV can often  beinstalled below the level of the parapet and is not visible from the street. Or install over a back patio or carport for shade.

    Some residences use a ground mount in the back or side yard instead of rooftop installation, or install on a different rooftop (e.g., storage shed, workshop, etc.) other than the primary residence.

    There are also BIPV modules where the PV is integrated into the window glass as part of the building facade. 

    We will probably eventually see nano-PV integrated into more building materials like outside paint, etc.











    ------------------------------
    Robert Foster
    Assistant Professor
    New Mexico State University
    Las Cruces NM
    rfoster@nmsu.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-19-2021 11:36 AM
      |   view attached
    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but from my near Net Zero energy home on the coast of Maine, I'm toasty warm, looking out at the snow falling and with the exception of feeling bad for those suffering, have a free conscience.  





  • 4.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-22-2021 09:07 AM
    That is a gorgeous home! The panels seem very well integrated with the design of the home. Thank you for answering!

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-22-2021 09:41 AM
    Thank-you this has been a decades long labor of love.  It started with a greenhouse addition in the 80s, then solar hot water, than a super-insulated passive solar octagon addition next some roof-mounted PV, and lately addition of solar awnings to cover my excessively hot deck and decking, to approach net zero electric. As I add heat pumps, I need to expand the PV arrays.

    Have a great sunny day!

      





  • 6.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    ASES Committee Member
    Posted 02-22-2021 04:03 PM
    Hi Micheal, 

    You have a very interesting solar story for your home. Have you ever participated in ASES' National Solar Tour?

    ------------------------------
    Narelle Kipple
    Membership & Programs Coordinator
    American Solar Energy Society
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-23-2021 01:31 PM
    Yes, I've had more than a half dozen Sour Home tours through here, over the last couple of decades.  They have written this place up a couple times in the local papers. I also run an energy engineering services company, that formerly had a solar design/installation division, so many people have checked out my digs.  Thanks for asking. 









  • 8.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    ASES Committee Member
    Posted 02-24-2021 08:38 AM
    Awesome! Thank you for sharing your home. We would love to see you on this year's Tour. You can participate by showcasing your home in person, if comfortable, of virtual.  Feel free to message me if you are interested or have any questions!

    ------------------------------
    Narelle Kipple
    Membership & Programs Coordinator
    American Solar Energy Society
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-22-2021 09:06 AM
    Hi Robert, those are some good points. It will be interesting to see how technology advances and how solar panels will be integrated into home designs.

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-19-2021 04:06 PM
    I was in the residential installation business for many years and answered the question of aesthetics as follows. 
    We tolerate the abrupt change in roof lines with bulky chimneys, vent pipes, and antennas.  We have tolerated above ground power and phone lines and poles along our streets and coming into our homes.  Must your entire roof have the uniform texture of shingles?  How many homes have you visited that had solar panels on them and your gaze never strayed upward to see them? 

    For the architectural 'fashionistas' it will take the normalization of a lot of installations before some people's tolerance shifts.  For the rest, move on.  There are a lot of roofs out there unadorned by solar panels.  There are also many attics that need to be insulated and windows that need to be replaced.

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    Michael Mora
    Owner
    SOLectric Electric
    energyman@solectric.com
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 02-19-2021 11:38 PM
    Allot of what people tolerate is flagged by the simple social "what is cool" feel of the moment. If people who are socially accepted and "sought after" invest in the tech, others will follow.

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    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
    fcfcfc@ptd.net
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-22-2021 09:14 AM
    That is a good point. As more neighborhoods implement solar, other people around will follow through interaction.

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 03-17-2021 06:39 AM
    My first set of 12 panels went up in Dec 2012. I was the first home to have solar panels (in our HOA of 51 homes). Neighbors inquired when the saw the installation truck and workers installing the system. Now we have 12 homes with solar panels, all roof mounted and no one complains of any eyesore look to them. I'm still working on other homeowners. What is comes down to is cost/value/will I get my $$$ back. Also, keep in mind that we are all in our 60s to 90s. It's just like seat belts, we just get used to them.

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    Bill Baker
    Volunteer with Citizens Climate Lobby
    Blacksburg, VA
    bakerw98@live.com
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  • 14.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-22-2021 09:10 AM
    Those are some really good points, I do believe solar panels will become a "norm" with more people installing them onto their homes. I think technology will play a big role in integrating solar into the designs of peoples homes.

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    ASES Board Member
    Posted 02-22-2021 10:27 AM
    I read a while back that in Japan, solar PV was considered as a economic status symbol, and many households if they could not afford real PV panels, they would put fake PV panels to show that they have solar on their roofs. 

    However, I do agree that an ill designed solar system (without symmetry, and others) can be considered an eye-sore. I am really excited about the Tesla SolarRoof and similar other products that look beautiful and work well.

    ------------------------------
    Achyut Shrestha
    achyut.achyut@gmail.com
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  • 16.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 03-17-2021 10:19 AM
    That's really interesting, my grandma lives in Japan and has many neighbors who have solar panels on their roof. The adoption of new technology will be interesting to see how it changes people's perspective on solar panels

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    ASES Life Member
    Posted 02-23-2021 08:16 AM
    If you can get disconnected from the grid, it sure beats the appearance of overhead lines and poles.

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    Mike Curran
    Retired from (dare I say it?) Fossil Plant Mgt.
    joacchim57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 02-23-2021 12:19 PM
    That's why I went to underground service. What a job that was, but great to have it done.

    ------------------------------
    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
    fcfcfc@ptd.net
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    ASES Committee Member
    Posted 02-24-2021 08:33 AM
    Edited by Narelle Kipple 02-24-2021 08:34 AM
    William, can you elaborate on exactly what you installed? I am very interested!

    ------------------------------
    Narelle Kipple
    Membership & Programs Coordinator
    American Solar Energy Society
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 02-24-2021 09:55 AM
    If you go to my website, www.WeAreSolar.com you can find most anything there. Main page or click on, "My solar home" from the top menu....
    Thanks for interest...

    ------------------------------
    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
    fcfcfc@ptd.net
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 03-17-2021 10:20 AM
    That is absolutely true, I am sure saving money is a big motivator as well.

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    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 02-23-2021 11:20 PM
    Recently, I applied for a solar permit with a town in WI. They held it up requiring that the developer and head of the home owners' association sign off on it. I told them the developer has no say nor does the municipality for that matter according to state law. They insisted anyway and the solar installer wouldn't start the project without that permit (already had the utility permit). The developer came to the house and asked for drawings and photos. I explained it was a 7kW ground-mount system (because the roof was not suitable), 33' x' 12'. Showed photos of similar systems with pollinator plantings. He asked how high and, when I told him 8-9', he gasped. This was the first ground PV array they had had. I pointed out that it was all a matter of mindset. The neighbor's pools have slides and basketball courts that are taller than 8'. The outbuildings with kitchens and TV/movie screens had a substantially larger footprint and gazebos were as tall. Then, I pointed out state law that precludes any municipal government let alone home owners association from stopping anyone from adding solar to their property. I'm not sure which was the convincing argument, but the permit was granted. Next spring I will help organize a solar group buy for homeowners in the area. You need to start somewhere.

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    Sherrie Gruder
    Sustainable Design & Energy Specialist
    University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension
    sherrie.gruder@wisc.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    ASES Life Member
    Posted 02-24-2021 06:59 AM
    Way to go, Sherrie!

    ------------------------------
    Mike Curran
    Retired from (dare I say it?) Fossil Plant Mgt.
    joacchim57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    ASES Committee Member
    Posted 02-24-2021 08:32 AM
    Way to go, Sherrie! You should take some progress pictures throughout the installation and create a Solar Site on this year's National Solar Tour! The photos and your story can really help other people in WI going through similar issues!

    ------------------------------
    Narelle Kipple
    Membership & Programs Coordinator
    American Solar Energy Society
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 03-17-2021 10:22 AM
    Good luck organizing your solar group for home owners! That is a great way to compare between how high the systems were compared to the slides and basketball courts.

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 03-14-2021 11:35 AM
    Hi Benjamin, 

    I just saw an advertisement that made me think back to this post. The ad was for Solar Skins, I believe, which act similar to vinyl wraps or stickers, yet still allow sunlight to penetrate and reach your panels. Although I personally enjoy the appearance of solar panels, this could serve as a useful technology for those who prefer a more camouflaged look for their PV systems. Here's the link: https://www.sistinesolar.com/

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    Gabe Semenza
    Programs Associate Intern
    ASES
    gsemenza@ases.org
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  • 27.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 03-14-2021 11:57 AM
    Yes, they just completed a job for Comcast down in Universal Fl, for a floating array.
    You loose about 10% production or so depending on the exact display design. Something really white in "color" could cost you 15% or a bit more..... it all depends on the specifics.

    ------------------------------
    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
    fcfcfc@ptd.net
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 03-15-2021 12:32 PM
    This problem can be resolved by the BIPV system. Which is building-integrated PV, materials of roof, wall and even windows were made to receive "solar" to convert to electricity.

    Solar PV is not high tech anymore, everyone should have one on top of their roof to drop down the emission of CO2, slowing down the harmful disasters from global warming.

    The current Solar PV converting rate is around 20-25% but solar thermal is 90% or up. The BIPV only around 10% depending on its orientation

    Let's move on

    Allen





  • 29.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 03-16-2021 06:44 PM
      |   view attached
    We need to change our concept of what's Pleasing as that is helping the World becoming in Fire maybe thats more Pleasing. How about its a Gift to our Grandchildren as it will be combating Climate change

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    Rolland Riives
    President
    Guilt Free Hot Water
    cambellrives@comcast.net
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  • 30.  RE: The Aesthetic Problem of Residential Solar Installations

    Posted 03-17-2021 10:23 AM
    That is some great innovation. Companies like Tesla are taking a similar approach.

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    Benjamin Guthrie
    begu2379@colorado.edu
    ------------------------------