Thinking of Going Solar? 3 Top Solar Panel Home Design Trends

Whether you are looking to live a greener lifestyle, or simply looking for a way to lower your

monthly utility bills, switching to solar is one of the best decisions you can make as a home-

owner.

Solar panels capture free energy from the sun and convert it into electricity that can be use

to power the lights, appliances, and heating and cooling system in your home.

While some local electric companies charge a small monthly fee for use of their power

grid, in many cases, installing a home solar system will allow you to completely eliminate

your monthly electric bill.

Additionally, a solar system also eliminates your reliance on energy obtained from non-

renewable energy sources, greatly reducing your carbon footprint.

“Whether you are looking to live a greener lifestyle,

or a way to lower your monthly utility bills,

switching to solar is one of the best decisions

you can make as a homeowner.”

In recent years, home solar design has evolved, and new trends are emerging as the

industry advances.

In 2016, there are three main home design trends you can expect to see when it comes

to solar panels and home solar systems.

Increased Reliance on Passive Solar Energy

As architects become more aware of the benefits of designing homes with energy

efficiency in mind, you can expect to see home designs change to allow for a greater

reliance on passive solar energy.

Without the presence of solar energy systems, the sun can still provide solar energy

to our homes.

This includes designing homes to include plenty of light and radiant heat through

ample windows, while additional home features can be adjusted for the cold winter

months.

Another form of passive solar energy is by using wall mounted solar collectors that

heat water for the home without the use of a larger, more expensive home solar

energy system.

Transition to Monocrystalline Technology

In the solar panel industry, photovoltaic cells have ruled as the most popular choice

since solar panels first became an option for homes and businesses around the world.

However, advances in technology have revealed a more efficient way to collect solar

energy and convert it into usable electricity.

Monocrystalline technology, while more expensive at the initial investment, has been

found to have a longer life and to have an efficiency that is four to eight times more

than the cheaper photovoltaic cells.

Use of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics

Even though home solar energy systems have been found to increase the value of homes,

some homeowners or neighborhood associations have expressed concerns about the

appearance of large panels on the roof of a home and worry that the panels may decrease

curb appeal.

Building-integrated photovoltaics provides an answer to these concerns, as they are created

to work with the design of the home.

These panels actually replace the building materials that would be normally be found where

the panels are located.

For residential homes, this might play out as modules built to function as multiple roof tiles, or

solar shingles that actually replace the shingles of the roof.

If you’re looking for a qualified professional who can install your solar panels, check out Get Assist

where you can find a contractor who will get the job done.

In an industry that is constantly improving, it is important to stay educated on the emerging home

design trends of solar panels.

Have you considered switching to solar energy?

Or have you already made the switch?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

About the Author
Modernize aims to help homeowners like you understand the most advanced technologies,
so you can be sure you are investing in solar products that are most relevant, have the greatest
effect on your home’s utility bills, and increase your home’s value.

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