[MassHistPres] solar panels in historic districts

[Willa Bandler]

On Thu, 1 Sep 2011, Dennis De Witt wrote:

> Solar photovoltaic shingles can be put on in a way that is minimally 
> objectionable.

Possibly. But solar shingles require separate connections (=separate 
places for leaks to occur) in every single shingle. The raised hot water 
solar collectors you deplore stand off the roof and thus protect whatever 
original material is there, and have minimal roof penetration 
requirements. I find it interesting that you would prefer a solution that 
looks better but is potentially worse for the future preservation of the 
building; one complaint I hear a *lot* about HDCs is that they care about 
preserving appearances rather than preserving actual history.

I don't agree with those who compare ugly solar panels (mailboxes, 
basketball hoops, etc) to vinyl siding and window replacement. The first 
category is a matter of taste, while the second does actual material harm 
to the thing we claim to be trying to save. I don't see how totally 
removable things that make people's lives better are a threat to 
preservation just because some of us happen not to like them and would 
rather they be put on the back of the house. (For the record, I don't like 
the way some solar panels look either, but if the front of the house faces 
South, putting them on the back of the house isn't really an option.)

-Willa