How Does Roof Color Affect My Solar Electric System?
The color of a roof, whether light or dark, will not have any significant effect on the functioning of solar PV panels. If anything, a lighter roof, which will reflect more than absorb sunlight, may have a minor effect due to bouncing light waves. Usually, when roof color and solar panels are minced as words, it is due to the aesthetic value of the panels.
In cities or neighborhoods where appearance is vital and approval is necessary, then roof color will definitely have an effect. In such a case the PV panels will need to blend in with the roof color as well as possible. A lighter roof can work with your solar panels to help offset greenhouse gas emissions. As you are aware, solar energy helps curb CO2 emissions by lessening our dependence on fossil fuels for energy. A lighter roof, versus a darker roof color, reflects more sunlight back into space and helps, however minutely, return some of the light and heat that is being absorbed by our earth.
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Posted on May 22nd in Solar Information by Dan.
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:59 am
When thinking about solar power, I’ve never considered that roof colors might play a role in helping the environment. I’ve always thought of roof colors as purely a matter of aesthetics, and now I know I’ll never think of roofs and solar power the same way again. Thanks for the interesting post.
May 27th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Thanks for your comment! In addition to roofing color, roofing type also plays a role in solar power installations. Look out for a forthcoming post, and read this article for starters: http://solar.calfinder.com/pros/is-your-home-solar-ready