Adapting to Your Solar Resource

Many of us did not consider solar energy as an alternative option to our energy needs when we first built our homes. Hence, our solar window may not be as conducive as we would like it to be with regard to receiving as much solar energy as we need for our home.

However, almost nothing is permanent in this world. It is always possible to re-structure, alter, or even remove the pieces that are blocking our solar energy receptivity. Adjustments can be made to anything that stands in the way of solar energy receptivity, be it trees, walls, or hedges. So, if you plan to install a large solar system, you will do well in positioning your solar window appropriately. This will ensure that you get the most benefit from your solar system investment.

Obstructions on the Roof
The roof is usually the best place to lay the photovoltaic (PV) modules, but there may be various obstructions there, such as chimney, vents, architectural extensions or oddly shaped structures that will not allow for the optimal amount of sun rays. Most of these obstructions can be removed or altered to improve the solar energy reception. Such alterations and removals will increase the available space to lay the PV modules so that an efficient solar system can be set up.
If at first it seems to be too expensive to renovate, remove or alter these obstructions, consider that it will be a worthwhile expense if you are already planning to invest thousands of dollars on your solar system. You want your system to be as efficient as possible.

Small extensions or plumbing vents can usually be easily removed, and even larger pieces should not deter you if removal of these obstructions can enhance your solar system.

Obstructions from Landscapes
Another type of obstruction that needs to be taken care of before the installation of the solar system is the landscape. Trees, plants, shrubs, hedges and bushes all grow according to their own natural design unless they are directly influenced by human hands. If left to their own, these living greens can grow out of proportion at times. Besides ruining infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, utility lines and pipes, and building foundations or extensions, large trees can obstruct your solar window. Any large trees that are blocking you’re the sun’s path from your system will need to be altered or removed.
If you are concerned about sacrificing “green energy” for sun energy, consider that medium-sized trees and shrubs will function similarly for landscaping beautification without blocking your solar window. And you may not need to destroy the large tree. In some cases, a professional may be able to uproot the tree and transplant it on the other side of your home.
If it is not possible to save the tree, take heart with these thoughts: To change our lifestyle to a more solar energy based one, we will need to position ourselves and our surroundings to harness the sun’s renewable and free energy as much as possible, and as quickly as