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I'm surprised solar is not more common for its secondary use as building insulation. Black/gray roofs absorb lots of solar radiation.
by shadilay 5y ago
I'm surprised solar is not more common for its secondary use as building insulation. Black/gray roofs absorb lots of solar radiation.
- Consultant32452 5y agoIn the places with the most sun you are trying to cool the home, not heat it.
- Dylan16807 5y agoYes, that's what they're saying.
- shadilay 5y agoIt absorbs energy electrically ~20%, as well as reflects it. Panels are also usually mounted several inches above the roof creating an air gap.
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- tomrod 5y agoIn this case, would an airgap not suffice?
- jandrese 5y agoThat is exactly what the solar panels do. They aren't mounted directly on the shingles but offset a couple of inches from the roof. The area under the panels tends to be cooler than the rest of the roof.
- post_break 5y agoHe's saying it helps cool the roof. You can 100% see the difference between a roof with solar and one without. The one with solar will be cooler.
- readflaggedcomm 5y agoYes, somewhat. Though probably not good for snow or high wind load. But an unconditioned, properly-ventilated attic with radiant barrier probably gets most of the way there with less labor cost or roof deck damage.
- ndonnellan 5y agoIf you're looking to cut down on solar heating, steel roofs or even lighter colored or painted roofs would be a far more cost effective option.