Roof-mounted Photovoltaic Systems
Roof-mounted Photovoltaic Systems links
Why Solar? Why Rooftops?
According to the
Building Energy Data Book developed by the U.S. Department
of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, commercial
and residential buildings account for about 40 percent of energy consumption in
the U.S. Subsequently, commercial and residential buildings account for a similar
amount of overall carbon dioxide emissions.
Reducing energy use and the associated emissions are primary objectives of the sustainable
design and construction movement. Using energy efficiently and producing energy
from renewable sources help reduce harmful emissions. Use of roof-mounted, energy-producing
devices such as roof-mounted PV systems reduces dependency on nonrenewable energy
sources and also reduces the negative effects of carbon-based emissions.
Installing energy-producing devices on rooftops is a viable step toward reducing
energy made from nonrenewable sources. Rooftops can provide significant amounts
of secure, out-of-sight and generally unused space that can be made appropriate
for roof-mounted PV systems. The electricity is produced where it is needed—at
the building—resulting in little or no extra cost for additional infrastructure,
such as above-ground transmission lines and support structures, which are needed
to transport electricity long distances.
Some of the economic and societal benefits of roof-mounted PV systems include:
- Annual energy costs are reduced.
- Improvements to utility grids generally are not necessary.
- Net metering policies allow an owner to be credited for surplus electricity generation.
- A federal tax incentive exists and accelerated depreciation of PV systems is allowed.
- State and local incentives and rebates may apply.
- Roof-mounted PV systems help create green jobs.
Some of environmental benefits of roof-mounted PV systems include:
- Land use is minimized; rooftop-mounted space is optimized.
- Surplus energy can return to the grid to provide clean energy during times of high
electricity demands.
- Renewable energy helps reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
- Environmental awareness is displayed.