For homeowners who want to reduce their impact on the environment, going solar is a great option. Not only does it provide energy for the home, but it also provides benefits for the community. These benefits range from generating revenue to funding local schools to powering environmental initiatives.
However, while there is no denying that going solar is a good idea, it can be difficult to design and implement a solar system that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This article is going to overview 10 different types of solar houses that showcase just how versatile and functional solar structures can be. Therefore, let’s dive in.
Traditional
The very first type of solar house we’re going to discuss is traditional. Traditional solar houses are generally crafted from wood and steel, with heavy timber frame construction. This means that the majority of the building is composed of load-bearing walls (the walls that bear the weight of the roof) made of wooden beams. These beams are then covered in shingles or other tile or slate materials. The roofs are traditionally topped with a thick layer of asphalt covered in solar-power generating panels. The combination of the steel and wood serves as a timeless nod to the glory days of the traditional American house.
Shingle
If you’re reading this, I assume that you’ve heard of the shingle roof. The shingle roof is pretty classic and easy to understand. The roof is composed of a series of overlapping steel or wooden shingles. The underlayers of the shingles are held in place by metal or wooden ridge caps. The advantage of the shingle roof is that it’s easy to install a solar power system on it. The shingles provide a protective layer for the roof while still letting the sun shine through, making it a perfect fit for a home that wants to generate its own power.
Vinyl
Next up is vinyl, which is a brand name for material made from polyvinyl chloride. This material is frequently used for home interiors because it’s easy to care for and maintain. It’s also highly mobile and easy to install in a temporary or semi-permanent setting, such as a backyard shed or a containerized home. One of the most prominent brands of vinyl is Sunbright, which provides a durable, clear solution that is ideal for the outdoors. It’s water-repellent and virtually maintenance-free. Because vinyl is easy to install and can be found in most home improvement stores, it’s a popular choice for homeowners who want to add some extra storage or workspace to their homes.
Modular
The modular roof is a type of roof that is composed of pre-fabricated, interlocking roofs panels, commonly known as cubicles or pods. These panels can be stacked on top of one another to form a high ceiling that provides the homeowner with plenty of room for expansion. Modular roofs are available in both flat and steep pitch designs, allowing contractors to choose the one that best suits the needs of the project.
Metal
Aluminum is the next material that we’re going to examine. Like steel, aluminum can be used in the construction of luxury homes as well as practical structures, such as garages, barns, and sheds. It’s highly versatile and extremely lightweight, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want additional storage space, or who want to construct a semi-permanent outdoor workspace like a deck. It’s extremely corrosion-resistant and can be formed into virtually any shape or size, making it easy for contractors to fit into small or large spaces.
Laminate
Laminate roofs are composed of a synthetic material, such as polyester or acrylic, which is fused to an aluminum-metal-composite layer. The synthetic layer protects the roof from the elements and allows for easy repair in the event of a small accident. It’s a highly affordable, yet extremely durable roofing solution that is becoming more and more popular as homeowners seek to add additional storage space to their homes and garages. Most laminate roofs come with a 20-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind for the homeowner.
Tile
Last but not least, we have tile roofs. Tile roofs are composed of ceramic material, such as clay or marble, with decorative accents made of stone or steel. Like laminate roofs, tile roofs are easy to install and are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes, making them an ideal choice for homeowners who want to add additional storage space to their homes. It’s a heavy-duty roof that stands the test of time and provides high durability that most homeowners can enjoy for years to come.
While there are numerous styles of solar houses, these 10 types cover the basics of what you need to know to get started. Now that you have an idea of what the different types of solar houses are, it’s time to move on to the next step: choosing a system that is best suited for your needs.