No subject

Mon Sep 23 19:38:04 EDT 2013

impact of the paneling, again, assuming they are visible? Some ideas I
have are:

* Panels should be flat on the roof, without a structure raising them to
maximize solar gain.

* Panel trim should be designed to match the roof color (i.e. not
white).

* Any apparatus that supports the panels (junction boxes, etc.) should
be installed on the interior of the structure. 

What about installation of panels in a uniform pattern? When I google
solar installations, I sometimes see panels which are oddly placed.

Compare this picture:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Solar_panels_on_hous
e_roof_winter_view.jpg

with this picture:

http://www.kiplinger.com/kipimages/pages/13691.jpg

The latter is less orderly because the fifth row of panels does not
extend all the way down. 

Here is an example where the panels are not symmetrical because of a
skylight:

http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/112667/file-21511287-jpg/images/solar-house.
jpg

And another:

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/CMS/uploadedimages/Images/Homebuilding/B
ook_Excerpts/jo01-8_ld.jpg

Thanks,

Ralph Slate
Springfield Historical Commission

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I am trying to write guidelines for solar panels in local historic districts in Springfield. I am trying to come up with a criteria which can be used to determine the volume of solar paneling which may be installed, balancing the negative impact to the district against the positive impact to the homeowner and the state.<br>

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Assuming that visible panels are allowed, what factor could we use to judge whether there are "too many"? As the number of panels increases, the property owner's electrical bill decreases, so more panels is almost always more beneficial to the homeowner.<br>

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Likewise, there is a minimum number of panels that a homeowner needs to install in order to make the fixed costs of installation feasible. To go one step further, there is a minimum number of panels that third-party solar companies will install - anything less isn't worth their effort.<br>

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