Charlottesville Net Zero Home With South-Facing Solar Panel Roof, Trapezoidal Windows, Wood, Hardipanel Siding and Carport by Virginia Residential Architect HEDS.

Solar Energy: Let the Sun Shape the Roof

Solar energy is becoming more affordable by the day (see blog post 3/16/2106).  Before long, the cost for solar power will become cheaper than grid-sourced.  Twenty years ago the payback on solar was roughly equal to the lifespan of the solar array.  Still, we designed our roofs to accept solar panels, looking forward to the day that the economic case could be made to mount those panels on a project’s roof.  Recently-built Solar Faber project has not had to wait for those panels – with a return on investment of over 5%, the economic case can now be made.  The big, south facing roof of the project was designed with that intent.  What’s more, if the sun shapes the roof, the roof shapes the interior of the house, adding height and interest.  It’s a two-for-one proposition that makes so much sense for both the environment and the quality of life for the building owner.

Interior View of Modern Open Plan Living Dining and Kitchen by Charlottesville Architects.
If the sun shapes the roof, the roof shapes the interior.