Architects and New Construction Solar power modules don't always look great on a roof. What should you do? Many of your clients either want - or are required to - install some sort of solar energy system to reduce their energy consumption. But solar modules generally do not look great on your well designed, aesthetically pleasing roof. In a nutshell, rectangular modules don't fit cleanly on triangular roof services. You have three alternatives: 1. Install a building integrated solar power system 2. Install the solar power system on the ground or inconspicuous roof surface 3. Design your roof surface to match available solar power module sizes  1. Install a building integrated solar power system (BIPV - Building Integrated Photovoltaics) Solar energy modules are available that integrate with the building shell. The most popular product is UniSolar's "Peel and Stick" solar electric module. These modules apply to a standing seam metal roof, which then acts as both the solar electric collector and roof material. Akeena is a Certified UniSolar Installer; contact us for more information on the costs, longevity and installation issues related to UniSolar products. Sharp Solar has a 62 watt solar electric module that is designed to replace five Monier lightweight concrete roof tiles. These integrated modules are a great (although expensive) choice if you have an existing Monier roof -- but are not yet suitable for other roof types. The only other product currently available and certified is the SunSlate roof shingle from Atlantis. Unfortunately, these roof slates are extremely heavy and labor intensive to install. Moreover, a separate pair of wiring connections must be made for each slate -- dramatically increasing the potential for bad connections. Based on developments of building integrated solar electric systems in Europe, we expect that solar solar electric skylights and windows will become available in the U.S. in the coming years - but as of now they are much more of a science project than an accepted and reliable construction material. 2. Install the solar energy system on the ground or inconspicuous roof surface Installing a solar energy system on the north slope of a roof may be a good option - either using a reverse-slope mounting technique or simply incorporating the efficiency difference in the performance calculations. Alternatively, we install many systems on ground racks in back yards, hillsides, along fences, or on custom-designed shade structures (trellis, pool shades, etc.). Many commercial systems are installed behind an existing roof shield - or as part of the roof shield itself. 3. Design your roof surface to match available solar module sizes During the design phase of a project you still have some flexibility with roofing dimensions. Once you have a rough idea of the square footage you need for a system, you may be able to identify rectangular roof sections at the right orientation. By completely covering these roof areas with PV modules (ridgeline to gutter), you can effectively reduce the visual impact of the solar system. Done properly the solar power array will look like a large skylight. Most all solar power modules currently available in the U.S. are rectangular. Sharp Solar has introduced triangular modules that work well with roof pitches ranging from 4/12 to 8/12; however, these triangular solar power modules are much more expensive than traditional modules. Including necessary wiring and racking, solar power systems will add approximately 3.5 pounds per square foot on a residential or small commercial roof, and 7 pounds per square foot on a large-scale commercial roof. Here are the exact dimensions of popular solar power modules that offer the best combination of reliability and price for our customers. Note that necessary racking and clips will add exactly 1" to each dimension of the module. Kyocera KC-170GT Output: 170 watts DC Length: 50.8” without mounting clips Width: 39.0” without mounting clips  Kyocera KC-190GT Output: 190 watts DC Length: 56.2” without mounting clips Width: 39.0” without mounting clips Sharp NE-170U1 Output: 170 watts DC Length: 62.01” without mounting clips Width: 32.52 ” without mounting clips Sharp ND-167U3 Output: 167 watts DC Length: 51.9” without mounting clips Width: 39.1” without mounting clips Sharp ND-208U1 Output: 208 watts DC Length: 64.6” without mounting clips Width: 39.1” without mounting clips Sharp ND-N2ECU Output: 142 watts DC Length: 45.87” without mounting clips Width: 38.98” without mounting clips SunPower SPR-200-BLK Output: 200 watts DC Length: 61.39” without mounting clips Width: 31.42” without mounting clips Contact us if you would like to consider the design, performance and economic benefits of a solar electric system during the design phase of your project.