If you want to take advantage of solar energy but can't (or don't want to) install solar panels on your roof, you have other options. As solar panels and technology continue to advance, collecting solar energy becomes easier and more personal than ever. Here are some great options for installing solar panels not only on your roof, but elsewhere.
Solar panels
If your house has a south-facing wall that is approximately eight by eight feet, you can install solar panels . Of course, these solar panels work best in unshaded areas, but they can still collect energy even in southeast or southwest facing areas. The advantage of this installation method is that you can choose a panel color that matches the look of your home and complements the architecture. The downside is that since the solar panels are perfectly straight, they are not positioned at the best angle to absorb sunlight.
Solar panels as a roof.
If you live in the Southwest, you've probably seen parking lots protected by large solar panels, and you can create a similar effect at home when your south-facing deck or porch is covered with solar panels and powered by solar panels . , plus the added benefit of providing shade and preventing rain. This type of installation can be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional rooftop solar panels while still generating electricity efficiently. The advantage of a solar carport is that you can add solar panels to an existing structure without disturbing the roof, but if your home does not have a south-facing porch or patio, this is not a practical solution.
sun sculptures
Arrays of solar panels can be molded into new shapes, making solar energy as cost effective as saving on electricity bills. Solar panels can be customized to best fit your environment and optimize solar panel placement. Additionally, the solar panel, specially designed to resemble the shape of a tree, increases exposure to sunlight by raising it above obstacles that create shade. Not everyone is impressed by the beauty of solar sculpture, but if you have the desire and inspiration, you can find an installation that you like.
solar window glass
New to the solar market is photovoltaic glass, which can be used to generate electricity in a home without a traditional solar panel. It can be used to make roof windows , windows and even a greenhouse . Currently, solar glass is expensive because the technology is very new, but as the technology develops, photovoltaic glass is used in residential buildings.
Ground Mounted Solar Panels
It is not necessary to fix solar panels to the structure. You can opt for ground-mounted solar panels , which has the advantage of easy installation and easy access for maintenance. The downside is that the panels may take up more space than those installed on an existing structure, but they can be placed anywhere with open, south-facing space.
DIY Portable Solar Panels
If you don't want to power your entire house, but prefer to use solar energy as a backup system in case of an emergency, you should opt for a portable solar panel generator . A portable system is cheaper than a fixed one, but it doesn't generate electricity, so it doesn't save much on your bill. However, a portable solar panel can be used for a short time.
