Speaking of solar panels, it is common to install them on the roof of a house, but for reasons such as ``the roof is not wide enough'' or ``I don't want the solar panels to stand out'', many people have given up on installing a solar power generation system. Many families end up being left behind.
However, in recent years, the number of cases in which solar panels are installed in places other than the roof of a house has steadily increased.
So, this time, I would like to check with everyone such things as ``Where can I install it?'' and ``What should I be careful about when installing it somewhere other than the roof?''
I would also like to briefly touch on the recently developed "transparent solar panel."
Points where solar panels can be installed other than residential roofs:
Carport
If you have or are planning to install a Solar Panel in Australia carport on your property, you can install solar panels on the roof of your carport.
In this case, various installation patterns are available, such as an ``integrated type'' where the carport and solar panel are combined in advance, a ``solar panel retrofit type'' where the carport and solar panel are installed separately, and a ``custom-made type'' where the carport and solar panel are completely made to order. One of the attractions is that you can choose.
However, there are advantages and disadvantages no matter which type you choose, so if you think ``I'd like to install a solar panel on my carport...'', consult a professional beforehand and choose the type that is most suitable for your living environment. It would be a good idea to.
Similar to a carport, it is also possible to install solar panels on top of a shed.
In the case of storage sheds and carports, the roofs are lower and flatter than those of houses, which makes installation work and regular maintenance easier.
Additionally, many people are reluctant to install a solar power generation system because they don't want to damage or modify the roof of their home, but a storage shed is relatively inconspicuous and can be easily installed. There are also points.
However, depending on the type of shed, the structure may not be designed to allow objects to be placed on top of it, so if you install a solar panel on such a type, the shed will not be able to withstand the weight and may be damaged. There is a possibility that the
Therefore, if you want to install a solar panel in your shed at home, we recommend that you check the manual or website of the shed in advance to find out about its weight durability.
Disadvantages of installing solar panels on the roof include ``power generation efficiency decreases when it snows in winter'' and ``easiness to fall during earthquakes''.
On the other hand, when installed on an exterior wall, there is no problem with snow accumulation, and the risk of falling is relatively low.
Another advantage is that it is easy to visually check whether the panel surface is clean or damaged.
However, it is true that when solar panels are installed on the roof, they are slanted, whereas when installed on the wall, they are vertical, making it difficult for direct sunlight to enter and reducing power generation efficiency.
There are still some issues that need to be improved, such as light pollution and the high cost of caulking, so we recommend that you keep an eye on future trends regarding this installation method and keep it in mind for a while.
Points to note when installing solar panels on areas other than residential roofs:
Check in advance whether there is shade or not and how high the sunlight rate is.
The common feature among carports, storage sheds, and exterior walls is that they are basically located at a lower level than the roof of the house.
While this has the advantage of being easier to visually check as mentioned above, it can also have disadvantages, such as being easily hidden behind buildings and being difficult to reach from direct sunlight.
Even if you manage to install solar panels, it will be a waste if the essential power generation efficiency becomes low.
It is important to check the shade and sunlight rate of the area where you want to install solar panels in advance, so that you don't end up thinking, ``It wasn't supposed to be like this!'' after installation.
Check in advance whether reinforcement work costs will be added on
If the carport or shed in which you want to install solar panels does not have sufficient weight durability, reinforcement work or ground improvement work may be required in addition to normal installation work. Of course, if additional work is required, the cost will also increase accordingly.
If you think, ``I need additional work, but I want to keep the cost as low as possible...'', ask several specialized contractors to provide estimates, and then ask a relatively inexpensive contractor to do the work. There is also an option.
However, it is not always the case that ``cheap construction costs = good quality work'', so it is recommended that you carefully research the reputation of each contractor based on word of mouth etc., and choose a contractor that you can trust overall.
Like purchasing a car or home, installing a solar power generation system is a major purchase, so the truth is that you want to receive as much subsidies as possible.
In the case of solar power generation systems, although the national subsidy system was abolished several years ago, local government subsidy systems are still continuing (although there are exceptions). However, the detailed contents of the subsidy system differ from municipality to municipality, and in some cases, there are cases where a rule is established.
``no subsidy will be given to households that install solar panels on areas other than the roof.'' In response to this, you may think, ``If I can't get subsidies, it's impossible to install a solar power generation system...'' However, many subsidy systems are based on the situation of each year, or the solar power generation system. The content is frequently reviewed based on the popularity of the website. In other words, even if it is not possible this year, there is a non-zero possibility that the grant will be made from next year. In order to avoid missing out on the chance to receive a subsidy, it is a good idea to check the subsidy information of your local government frequently.
Transparent solar panel:
Transparent solar glass, developed several years ago by a research team Australian University, has recently attracted attention as a "next-generation solar panel" due to its novelty and stylishness that does not detract from the landscape of the installation site.
Solar glass was developed in Australia through joint development with Advanced Technology and venture company, and exclusive domestic sales are scheduled to begin in the same year.
It is said that this solar glass will be popularized not only for its introduction into office buildings and commercial facilities, but also with a view to proposals for ZEH housing.
Please note that these are still in the introduction stage, and we do not yet handle transparent panels.
However, it is said that in the near future, if the performance of solar glass continues to improve and its price decreases, it will be possible to install it not only on buildings such as houses, but also on car windows and smartphone screens.
