Few would argue against the benefits of using solar energy to power your home. It’s clean, green, inexpensive, renewable and readily available. Today, homeowners and builders who dislike the “old-fashioned” solar panels of yesteryear need not sacrifice aesthetics for environmentalism.
Photovoltaic roof integrated solar electric power (PVRISE) systems are more than functional. They also fit stylishly into modern home design schemes at the same time.
Solar energy generation has evolved considerably over the last few decades. Early panels were mounted on stands, tilted toward the sun and placed, sometimes haphazardly, on a home’s roof.
They weren’t the least bit design-integrated, but more like afterthoughts. They were functional and utilitarian. People were willing, at the time, to put up with the eyesore for the benefits the panels provided (free energy). Plus, there were no better alternatives available.
Like all new technologies, the panels evolved and improved. Within a few years they were being flush-mounted with the roof. The look was an improvement over the former stands. However, they still lacked an element of artistry.
Today, these systems are being included in new construction homes right from the design phase. Rather than being thought of as an “accessory”, PV solar energy systems are now part of the bigger picture.
The idea of making PV solar energy part of the basic design of new construction homes became known as “building-integrated PV”. The panels themselves are included in the design phase, with the rest of the house designed to complement them.
Photovoltaic roof integrated solar electric power systems can contain any number of panels. The process starts with the builder, who decides how much solar energy he/she wants to generate. Generally, at least several panels are needed in order to generate an adequate amount of power for an average-sized home.
Home design plans are developed once the adequate number PV panels is determined. The entire roof may consist of panels if the builder desires. If fewer are needed, the designer determines the best location for them and then designs the rest of the roof around that area.
Builders have a number of choices and options when it comes to aesthetic appearance. PV panels can be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. Naturally, most builders choose semi-transparent or opaque when integrating PV panels into a roof.
PVRISE systems consist of several components. The first and major component is the glass panels themselves. PV glass is shatter-resistant, durable and strong enough to stand up to anything that a regular roof can, including heavy hail.
Each panel contains metal conductor strips. They look similar to the thin conductor strips inside the glass of a frost-free car windshield. These strips conduct electrons into the home via wires. They also return electrons to the panel via the wires so that the flow loop is closed.
The next component is a power-storage system. It’s generally comprised of a utility grid. This is where solar energy is stored until it is needed. Then, it is converted by an inverter from DC to AC. Photovoltaic roof integrated solar electric power systems also come with some type of back-up power system, like a diesel generator.
PVRISE systems can actually be installed in almost any part of a structure. New commercial buildings are being constructed with PV panels for windows. Homes can also be outfitted and even retrofitted with PV windows.
Photovoltaic roof integrated solar electric power systems are highly cost effective when included right from the design phase of a new construction home. They cost little more than a regular roof to install. The amount of savings that they generate over the lifetime of the home far outweighs any extra cost incurred at the time of construction.
Builders and investors are installing the PVRISE systems in new construction homes in growing numbers. Investors like Scot Sandstrom of New Pointe Communities of San Diego CA includes them as standard features in the houses he builds. Sandstrom says he “feels good about building home[s] that are green”.
You needn’t live in sunny California, though, to benefit from PV technology. You can harness the power of the sun no matter how many or how few hours of daily sunlight you get.
PV and solar energy technology isn’t new. However, it’s only now being planned into new construction homes right from the design phase. It’s possible that in a decade or two, if the trend continues, that photovoltaic roof integrated solar electric power will become the “norm” in building.
Shea Real Estate & Investment Group is a full service real estate company servicing beautiful San Diego, California. Let them help you find your dream home today!
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