Patio Awning, Trellis or Pagoda

This San Jose home owner utilizes the top of his standing seam metal patio awning to provide both shelter and an extra 4-kW AC of solar power, with another 2-kW mounted on a wood shingle roof. The home owner claims he hardly knows it's up there; Except when he gets his $12 electric bill.

Ground Mount Arrays

Ground mounts are an excellent application for solar PV, where there is exposed and otherwise under utilized yard space.

Pole Mount / Tracking Array

Hybrid Solar Electric & Thermal Systems for Household Power, Water, Space and Pool Heating

By combining solar energy technologies substantial extra energy savings are possible. Mounted on a tile roof, the black panels convert sunlight into thermal energy that is circulated through the pool pump. The glazed solar PV panels produce ample power for the 2 horsepower 15 AMP pool pump throughout the day.

Utility Structures

Many structures such as this storage shed qualify for solar permits.

(LEFT) 1.8 kilowatt tracking array. Can be used on grid connected or remote properties. Tracking the sun can yield 10% to 15% more solar electric conversion than fixed arrays of the same size. However hardware and maintenance costs can increase. Fixed mounted systems have no moving parts.