Thinking about going solar but worried about how bulky panels might affect your home’s aesthetics? Gone are the days of clunky, industrial-looking panels dominating your roofline. Today, solar power can seamlessly integrate with your home’s style, even adding a touch of modern flair. There are two broad ways of doing this, either by making the panels invisible and inconspicuous by placing them on the rear end of the roof or by making them an architectural feature.
The PV panels can be integrated into the building as a façade treatment which allows views through the panels, provides shade, and acts as a rain treatment. Conventional materials used in parts of the building, like roof skylights, can be incorporated with solar cells, (BIPV) further reducing the cost of going solar, as the initial cost can be offset by reducing the amount spent on building materials and labor to construct the parts. This also gives the designer an opportunity to be imaginative and completely integrate the solar energy system into the building architecture and construction.
Existing buildings can opt for black thin film panels with the mounting system anodized in black or simply powdered coated after production. All black systems are more eye-catching than blue ones and almost look like the roof, therefore they tend to be much more aesthetically pleasing.
Here’s why solar panels can be a surprisingly aesthetic choice:
- Sleek and Modern Design: Modern solar panels are far from the bulky blue squares of the past. Many come in sleek black frames with a low profile, creating a clean and contemporary look that complements modern and minimalist architecture.
- Matching Matters: Solar panels are available in a variety of colors beyond the traditional blue. You can find options that blend seamlessly with your roof color, creating a unified and polished appearance.
- Placement is Key: A professional solar installer will design a layout that maximizes efficiency while minimizing visual impact. This might involve strategically placing panels on specific roof sections or utilizing a low-profile mounting system that creates a more integrated look.
- Embrace the Statement: For some homeowners, the visual representation of clean energy production is a badge of honor. In this case, strategically placed black panels can create a bold, modern statement on your roof.
- Curb Appeal with a Conscience: Let’s face it, in today’s environmentally conscious world, homes with solar panels are increasingly seen as desirable. Solar can add a touch of “green cred” to your property, potentially boosting its value.
The key to achieving an aesthetically pleasing solar installation is planning and collaboration with your ECOcentrix Energy Solutions team who will work with you to understand your design preferences.