Even the term solar power can mean many different things. Here’s a look at solar power past, present and future for the home…
Santa Monica Home Residence
A 25-panel photovoltaic array makes maximum use of the shed-style dormer roof on a home in a densely populated neighborhood. Photo courtesy of SolarCity
An array of 20 photovoltaic solar panels sits atop the roof of a California house. With each panel producing 250 watts, this array creates a 5-kw system. A south-facing orientation that receives unobstructed sunlight all day is optimal. Photo courtesy of SolarCity
The photovoltaic solar panels on this garden pavilion do double duty: They generate electricity for the property while also creating a shady spot. For houses where the roof is obscured by foliage or is not oriented to the south, the roof of an outbuilding is a good option for a PV installation. Photo courtesy of SolarCity
A gently sloped roof facing toward a home’s private pool area offers plenty of surface for an array of 42 photovoltaic solar panels. Photo courtesy of SolarCity
Two arrays of photovoltaic solar panels are installed on the third-story roof of a traditional brick-and-clapboard house in the Los Angeles area. Photo courtesy of SolarCity
Three rows of photovoltaic solar panels are installed on the standing-seam metal roof of a California house.
Dow POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles, a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) product, combine solar cells directly into a roofing shingle, to generate electricity. The shingles can be installed alongside conventional roofing shingles, as shown on this house. Visit www.dowsolar.com for more information.
Photo courtesy of SolarCity
