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To: JustaDumbBlonde

There may have been more to the situation (disabled windmill) than a disgruntled neighbor. I think both of these people are a little bit nuts. But, my point is the farm being subject to the easy interruption of service.

Your idea of having the solar panels on the shed roofs is a great idea. My question has always been, what does a solar panel do to your roof? Wear and tear? I’ve never had that question answered. I’d think that there would (or could) be some damage with snow and high winds (like we are subject to). My husband isn’t interested, and nobody wants to answer my question seriously.

Around here, I’m starting to see commercial applications on the ground — a raised panel set at an angle. Takes up a lot of space and doesn’t look too pretty.

I would love to add a new garage to our property. I’d love to consider a panel on the roof of the garage to heat the interior for a workshop. It’s probably a dream that will never come true. But, you always have to have a dream, or you just stop living. Right?


45 posted on 12/02/2011 3:00:40 PM PST by afraidfortherepublic
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To: afraidfortherepublic
The solar panels will not cause the roof of the shed any harm. It is a steel building with an iron frame, and the solar system has been designed to be attached to the perlings. Our panels will be on standoffs, to account for the pitch of the roof, so the panels will end up level side to side and angled toward the south. They have to be spaced such that the tilted end of one panel does not cast a shadow on the next panel in line. Our system will be just shy of 60 panels and quite large.

There are several residential systems in our area installed on the ground and they don't look particularly nice, which is why I didn't want mine on the ground. Luckily we have the huge equipment shed. They will have to run the wires underground and under the pond to the breaker boxes in the house. Plus, I didn't want anything else to mow around.

With the tax breaks that are currently being offered for alternative energy systems, we simply couldn't go wrong. If you are only looking to heat a workshop, there are probably small panels available at a home improvement type store.

55 posted on 12/02/2011 6:54:12 PM PST by JustaDumbBlonde (Don't wish doom on your enemies. Plan it.)
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