Have you always wondered how to keep your home at a reasonable temperature, while still remaining energy efficient and getting as much out of you solar panels as possible? The obvious first thought is that shade isn’t good for your rooftop PV panels, which benefit from maximum exposure to the sun. So you may not think solar energy and shade go together, but there’s actually a symbiotic relationship there. At least, that’s the case in the following examples:

A solar tree is one example of sun and shade working in collectively. While shading your car from damaging rays, a solar tree can house panels that provide electricity to adjacent structures, as well as to hybrid cars parked beneath them.

The subject of solar trees brings us to foliage. Planting trees around your south-facing windows offers shade indoors when the sun is burning hot. A deciduous tree, though, will shed in the winter, so the sun can help warm thermal walls and floors, reducing cooling bills in the process.

Solar pool covers float above the pool water, covering it entirely. But rather than keeping the water cool, they do quite the opposite. Solar pool covers are made from a film of tiny air bubbles, each collecting and retaining heat, then transferring it the pool water. Covers can reduce heating costs by up to 75%!

There are several options for balancing the amount of shade your home receives. Have you been considering investing in solar energy? Get a free estimate from a prescreened contractor.