Impact on Residential Property

Solar water heating systems fit well in the built environment. Collectors are usually installed on rooftops, occupying otherwise unused space.

The best location for solar hot water collectors is on an un-shaded, south facing roof or wall. For excellent performance, solar collectors should face due south and be set at an angle of 18°– 50° from the horizontal plane. Collectors can also be mounted on a sturdy frame near your home, or can be integrated into the roof of a storage shed. The solar collectors typically require a flat mounting area of about three m². Most installations require one to two solar collectors. A small path is required for the piping which connects the solar collectors to the solar storage tank. The piping usually can be installed through closets, cold air returns, wall cavities, or along the outside wall of the home.

Components for solar water heaters are located outside and inside your home. These will not detract from your home’s appearance or disrupt your normal household routines and will provide a highly visible signal to the outside world that your home is powered by renewable energy. Taking time to examine the different possible locations for the solar collector array can make a big difference to the visual appeal of the final installation. On the outside of your home, the largest visible component is the solar collectors, which look similar to low-profile skylights. Modern solar collectors are usually finished in an attractive aluminum casing with a glass cover.

Collectors are 10 to 15 cm in thickness and require a flat area of about three m² each. Mounting the collector flush with the roof contributes to a neat installation and ensures the collector will not contribute to additional wind or snow loading. The only other part of a solar water heater that may be visible on the outside of your house is the insulated piping connecting the solar collectors with the solar storage tank. But usually this tubing can be passed through a special roof flashing in an unobtrusive place. Sometimes cathedral ceilings or special wall constructions require piping to run along the outside of the house to a more convenient entry point. In this case, a downspout can be installed to hide the piping. Keep in mind that solar panels on your roof are a cool way to showcase your interest in living green and will truly make your home exceptional.