[MisterTea]

1. HVAC manufactures have moved to building proprietary computer controlled HVAC systems which must be serviced by a certified technician. This allows them to build a system of regional service companies who maintain complete monopoly over an entire region. Even if you wanted to open a shop to compete with the incumbent, you can't because the manufacturer wont allow you if another shop in your region exists. The result is gate-kept artificial scarcity of technicians and parts allowing for price gouging. The solution is right to repair and boycotting these clowns.

2. Roof work has always been a huge cost as it's very labor intensive (I learned some flat roof maintenance from a roofer friend.) The issue is we have not developed a roof system that works in conjunction with solar panels. Until that happens roofs and solar will be orthogonal problems no one wants.

3. My work got semi-screwed by this. They used concrete blocks, around 60,000 pounds worth, to hold down metal frames the panels were bolted to. Total bonkers fly-by night operation company disappeared after 2 years and we had to maintain it ourselves. Roof was destroyed after 7 years as it was leaking all over and several cracks formed in the blocks around beams. It was deemed unsafe and the entire 75kW system removed. Building owner spent $200k on a new roof and building repairs then banned solar from being installed again.

4. So is your fancy HVAC system. I believe that electrical generation should become part of a homes infrastructure just like HVAC. It enables authority and autonomy over energy which is something I have wanted. Though I also believe if someone wishes to surrender that autonomy then they should be allowed to do so.

[WillAdams]

For your point 2. isn't there a company making solar cell arrays in the form of a metal roof panel?

A quick search shows: Forward Solar Roofing, a San Francisco, USA company (but they seem to have vanished?)

Another company with a similar approach (which is not Tesla) is: https://www.suntegrasolar.com/

[MisterTea]

My concern with these systems is what happens if the company goes out of business and you need to replace a proprietary shaped panel?

[WillAdams]

The Forward Solar Roofing company had panels which were interchangeable w/ existing metal panels, so could have been replaced (albeit at a loss of capacity).

Agree that's a concern for the other products in this space.

[r00fus]

> The issue is we have not developed a roof system that works in conjunction with solar panels.

Millions of data points suggest your POV is unfounded.

[MisterTea]

Please post them.

[r00fus]

Every single solar installation with no reported issues.

[MisterTea]

The issue here are current racking systems make service of the roof difficult or impossible without tedious and costly disassembly of traditional solar panel installation. Someone has to go around and unbolt everything. We need a system where you can rapidly attach and remove them without tools. Otherwise roof maintenance becomes roofer + PV maintenance.

[eitally]

We purchased our bay area house in early 2016, two months after it had a new roof and solar installation added. Total cost to the previous owner was about $30k, for 30yr architectural shingles and a 5.5kwhr array.

It's required 0 maintenance or repair since we've lived here.

I'm under the impression that CA either required - or it was just highly suggested - to only install solar arrays on roofs that were in good shape and less than 5yo. That said, we're about to do a remodel and the array will be removed and stored during the project and reinstalled afterward, with a few more panels and a couple of batteries. I'm not concerned about roof repairability relative to my electricity cost savings in California under pg&e.

[r00fus]

While you have a valid point, how often do people need to reroof their house? Or even repair something that is impacted from a solar install?

My anecdotal understanding is that there are no such complaints from owners.

[MisterTea]

I have a friend with a 5 year old roof who had panels installed and now has leaks two years later. He checked the visible portion of the roof and could not find anything. He thinks it could be under the panels but can't see under them. A roofer told him the same. He's still trying to figure out what to do. Plus my story about my work place solar system being installed by a fly-by-night which damaged the roof causing leaks. YMMV.