How To Make Your Home’s Solar A Bit More…Sexy!

Greening up one’s property has been all the rage for years now, from eco-friendly landscaping to solar power everything. And whether you’re looking to sell or just increase your home value, going green is good for both the environment and your wallet.

But going solar no longer means the additions need to be an eyesore!

There are tons of options to choose from when it comes to panels, but there are some key considerations to take into account when making your decision:

To color or not to color?

Panel backing will show through between the individual cells, with backing typically available in white, silver or black. White and silver allow for greater energy efficiency, while a black backing creates a uniform black appearance at the cost of some efficiency.

Polycrystalline panels—which typically jut out several inches from the roof on a mounting system—have a blue or green tint, while monocrystalline panels are usually solid black. And while thin-film solar materials can either be black or blue, they are generally less efficient and durable than other options. 

Some companies have begun creating polycrystalline panels in other colors like terracotta and tile red to help blend in with the roofing structure.

One other color consideration is around the panel frame itself. While typically available in silver or black, some companies have black frames available but usually more expensive. 

If you have lot space to spare, you can always consider ground-mounted panels. While less visible than roof panels, ground-mounted setups also aren’t limited by your roof’s size, shape or orientation.

For more on different solar panel options, check out Architectural Digest’s guide by clicking here.