What is added to my house or building if I install solar?

Both solar water heating and solar electric systems utilize large panels that will most likely be mounted on your roof.

Photovoltaic systems require 100 square feet of space for each kW installed. Photovoltaic systems have wall-mounted inverters and two smaller disconnect switches. These can be located indoors near the breaker panel, or outdoors in a shaded location. A meter that measures the electricity generated by the system will also be installed near the inverter.

Solar water heating panels, called collectors, are 4′ x 10′. A typical system will have one or two panels. An additional 80-gallon storage tank is installed near the existing water heater. Solar water heating systems can also be used in conjunction with tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters.