Solar Panels on Historic Properties: On a Cross Gable

The visual prominence of the two solar collectors installed on this cross gable is further minimized by the complexity of this elevation.

King’s Daughters Home, North Carolina

It is often easier to accommodate solar hot water systems than photovoltaic systems on historic properties because fewer panels are necessary. Solar hot water can often operate utilizing only a few panels, while photovoltaic systems often require multiple arrays to produce enough electricity to be worth the investment.

Several specific circumstances made it possible to install solar collectors on a street–facing slope of this gable roof. The panels were flush–mounted on a low–pitch roof, and only two were required. They were installed on a portion of the roof that is set back from the face of the building behind a prominent pediment. Thus, the solar collectors are visible but not conspicuous, and this installation meets the Standards in the context of the overall project.

Front of the King's Daughters Home. The solar panels are installed on the facade that faces the street at the right edge of this photograph.

Next article: Solar panels on a rear porch roof