Solar & Landscaping

Solar in the Landscape

When talking about residential solar systems we usually think about rooftop solar panels, but wait! There are three reasons to talk about landscaping and solar in the same breath. All of them can represent a source of work or collaboration for the landscape pro.

First, people are often installing solar panels on ground mounted systems because they can get better performance due to orientation, and they don't have to worry about roof penetrations or architectural appeal. When ground mounted systems are employed, they are almost always, an eye sore. Case is point; landscaping can be used to obscure a ground mounted array, or through the use of plantings and other hardscape elements, bring it more meaningfully into the landscape. The illustration below is a beautiful example.

A ground mounted solar array with tastefull landscaping.

The second situation, where landscapers and solar installers can collaborate, is in the area of an outdoor living space. An outdoor living space such as a pergola or pavilion, could include solar panels that are very attractive. It’s the perfect solution for homeowners who want solar, but are afraid to install a large panel array on their home.

Lovely solar pavilion with flanking solar pergolas by FineHouse

Lastly, since so many landscape pros are getting into Pool installations, in many regions, solar pool, heating makes big economic sense. Low temperature "unglazed panels" are either rack, mounted or roof mounted and can cut the cost of heating the pool dramatically. The same possibility for collaboration  applies here as in the previous bullet points, but additionally, as a landscaper building pools, this is just a pool heating option that makes a lot of sense in many regions, and could be offered as part of the pool package. These panels can be ground mounted or on a pergola or pavilion!

Solar pool heating panels mounted atop a solid roof pergola

By harnessing solar energy in the landscape you are contributing to a sustainable environment by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. While the initial investment can vary based on size and materials, the long-term energy savings and potential incentives make them a smart choice for eco-conscious homeowners looking to create energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments. Solar pergolas and pavilions exemplify the fusion of function and sustainability in modern outdoor design.