The main stimulus behind installing a solar power system is energy efficiency, even energy independence. There is no doubt about that. But that does not mean you need to sacrifice style and aesthetics for energy savings. In fact, there are plenty of ways to get power free and clean while incorporating style into the mix. Here are some tips for getting the look you want from your solar power system:

1. Choose a mounting system. Not every solar system is a rooftop system. As a matter of fact there are several mounting systems, from ground mounts to pole mounts to rooftop arrays. While much will depend on the location of your home and your land, the odds are you’ll have at least a few choices in this regard.
2. Plant a solar tree. Just another fun way to go solar, solar trees are not only a unique way to capture solar energy, but there are also different species! Check out Google for a fine example of the potential of solar trees.
3. Panels vs. tiles. Most solar electric systems utilize conventional PV panels. But since when does solar stick to conventions!? Don’t forget about building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), which typically come as solar shingles or tiles. These thin-film panels integrate with your roofing material for a seamless solar system. They are, as of yet, less efficient than their conventional counterpart, but what they lack in efficiency they make up for in aesthetics.
4. Choose your collector. For solar thermal systems, you have three choices in collectors: flat plate, evacuated tube, and integral storage. Integral storage collectors are common in passive solar designs, in which the collector is built into the home itself: a very advantageous option if you are building new. Among retrofit systems, flat plate collectors are the most common because they blend in the best, a feature the average homeowner really values.
5. Accessorize? Besides powering your home, you can use solar to dress up your landscaping or garden. Even though popular solar technologies like solar garden lights are a bit outside the box in terms of powering your home, they do save time and energy that would otherwise be spent installing and running conventional flood lights. Check ‘em out!

As you can see, there are several ways to customize your solar power system. These are just the tip of the iceberg. There are, however, several different factors that can limit your choices. These include the location of your home, the layout of your house, your climate, necessary system size, and more. I don’t mean to scare you away; you will likely have plenty of choices to make. Your best bet is to sit down with your solar installer and design a system that both meets your needs and satisfies your fashion sense.

Posted on September 24th in Solar Products by Dan.