More and more homeowners in North Carolina and South Carolina, along with the rest of the country, are turning to solar energy to help power their houses on a daily basis. Solar energy is significantly more environmentally friendly than many conventional sources of power, such as natural gas and electricity. Most of the time, installation professionals put solar panels on residential roofs for the best results. In certain situations, however, it is impossible for a rooftop installation to occur.
There are several reasons for this. Sometimes, for instance, homeowners’ associations prohibit solar panels from being placed on roofs. In other cases, foliage may block the roof from receiving the necessary amount of sunlight. In yet other circumstances, homes may simply not be able to bear the weight of the panels and their rigging. If you can’t have solar panels installed on your roof, you’re probably wondering what options you have. Fortunately, there are multiple solar panel installation locations that are not on top of your house. You’ll learn more about them below.
- On the ground – Depending on the layout of your property, ground-mounted solar panels might be a good option for you. These are ideal, for instance, for homes that have extremely steep roofs that would put panels at an unconducive angle. There are two sorts of ground-mounted solar panel systems. These are referred to as “standard” and “pole.” The difference is fairly obvious; standard arrays are secured directly into the ground, while pole arrays allow solar panels to be arranged at varying heights.
- On an outbuilding – Typically, outbuildings, including garages and workshops, are not as aesthetically pleasing as homes. If, therefore, the main reason you’re hesitant to install solar panels is that you’re worried about how they will look, putting them on an outbuilding could be the perfect solution. You will, however, have to make sure the space you’re considering will be able to support solar panels. If you don’t currently have an outbuilding on your property, but you’ve been wanting one, you may want to consider having something constructed.
- On a pergola or carport – Solar carports and pergolas are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners look for ways to utilize solar power without altering their roofs. These two structures are similar in style, but the carport is specifically designed for parking, while a pergola might be installed on a deck or patio for leisure purposes.
- On a piece of art – As solar power continues to increase in popularity, solar sculptures (sometimes called “solar trees”) are starting to pop-up in certain neighborhoods. These are especially common in high-end areas where homeowners often own outdoor art. You may need to work with a local Carolina sculptor if you’re interested in this sort of project.
These are just a few ways to integrate solar panels into your home’s energy configuration without installing them on your roof. If none of these potential solutions seem like a fit for you, remember you can also talk to your solar panel installation contractor. No matter what Carolina solar panel company you choose to hire, your team is sure to have seen a variety of installation set-ups through the years. They are sure to be able to help you find something that suits your wants and needs.