Solar panels--tilt vs. canopy?

There’s really two reasons why you’d want the canopy:

– Large solar production needs
– Desire to use the roof

If you’re not able to fit enough panels on the roof via a tilt rack to cover the building’s production needs then a canopy makes sense. My impression is that most roofs can fit enough panels to cover their needs via a tilt rack but it depends on how big the house is, how many appliances you have on gas, etc.

If you want to use the roof for reasons then a canopy makes sense. If neither of things things are true a tilt rack is totally fine.

Guest User | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Guest User | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Hello all– I have read overwhelmingly positive customer feedback about going solar and we’re almost there. We have signed the agreement and are just deciding between canopy and tilt. I know not all buildings can go with the canopy due to being in a historic area etc., but those of you who have gone with either–are you happy with your choice, wish you’d gone the other way, and why? If you have the tilt, does it accommodate most of your energy usage? Thanks in advance!

jimhillra | 3 years and 10 months ago

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We just got a solar canopy approved by the LPC Commissioners because it is visible from a side street. The original design was the tilted canopy on tripod legs by Brooklyn Solar, and was rejected outright. We integrated it into a pergola, and the commissioners actually said our design should be the standard for all visible solar canopies. I realize that’s a little braggy, but it was a little shining moment, so I’m puttin’ it out there.

As for energy use, with 18 panels, it is projected to generate over 7 kWh/year. Brooklyn Solar estimates a typical house to use 8 kWh/year, so that’s almost all of it. This is a passive house gut renovation, so I’ll be curious to see if we can beat that and be completely net-zero!

Guest User | 3 years and 10 months ago

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I love Brooklyn Solar folks but someone needs to help them with their strategy for getting things approved! Jim post pictures after you’re done and congrats.

jimhillra | 3 years and 10 months ago

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janedrew – Thanks! I’ll be happy to post some pics when the canopy is done. Brooklyn Solar is just starting their DOB application, so it may be a couple of months before they’re done.

Putnamdenizen | 3 years and 10 months ago

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I went with the canopy because I wanted to reserve the ability to use the roof for a pergola like space. I also had the structure painted blue. All this added $$$ to my project. My neighbors also put in panels, but on the surface racks, which is odd to me because they seemed to have spent a lot of money resurfacing their roof and putting in a totally rad glass roof hatch., and now most of their roof is unusable. Still working on my roof access to realize my dream space. I did hang a hammock from the structure – great place to look qt the Manhattan skyline.

cobblehillhome | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Big fan of Brooklyn Solarworks. Have had their solar canopy on our landmarked house in Cobble Hill for several years. Landmarks and community boards were time consuming but it was worth it.

peterdinatale

in General Discussion 3 years and 10 months ago

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With Brooklyn SolarWorks… do you own or lease the panels? And does the FDNY had a problem with panels directly on the roof?

rene.soloserrato | 3 years and 10 months ago

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I’ve recently signed a contract w/Brooklyn Solar works for a tilt rack system. W/BSW, you own your panels. Also , the FDNY does not have a ‘problem’ with solar panels but requires a clear path across your roof in case they need it in the event of a fire. BSW incorporates this into their system designs.