Can solar be used for central heating or air conditioning, or is it limited to appliances?
It’s capable of handling all a home’s electrical needs. Of course, the more you ask of a solar system, the bigger (and more expensive) it will need to be. Doesn’t solar equipment spoil the look of a house? Manufacturers are working to develop flatter and less obtrusive panels. One company has come out with solar shingles that use thin-film technology to make a lightweight, flexible roofing product. These dark blue shingles can be nailed or screwed directly to plywood sheathing, just as asphalt shingles can. However, experts say, they are less efficient than traditional panels, so more roof surface must be covered. Plus they carry a premium price. Solar laminate material can also be bonded to the metal roofs increasingly used in home construction. How much repair and maintenance does solar-electric equipment require? Very little, according to industry experts, because there are no moving parts and little that can break. Inverters remain the weak point in most systems and sometimes need
