[dv_dt]

I keep hoping some architect will take up an residential building design with solar panels to rethink with deeper integration than just a "material" swap out. On the roof, mounting panels inches over the roof, or even as the roof material is a terrible thermal environment. Why not design in a rooftop open air living space, topped with solar panels. Panels get cooler temperatures, the physical roof gets reduced temperatures and probably extended life through shading too. At least for some new building and sites it would be interesting to see.

[bradley13]

When we recently build our house, the south side of the roof became mostly solar panels - just a few shingles near top. Solar panels make a perfectly fine roof surface. Underneath the panels is an air gap, with ventilation at the bottom and top. Under the air gap is a plastic underlayment that ensures the roof remains waterproof.

Sure, it was more expensive than a shingled roof, but less expensive than a shingled roof with solar on top. Add to that, it looks better.

[aqme28]

I don't know about roofing, but for wall solar there is Solablock (https://www.solablock.com/), which makes solar-embedded masonry. Much better thermal profile and cheaper overall installation costs.

[idiotsecant]

You just built another roof on top of your roof.

People generally limit the number of roofs to one, as they are expensive and important for keeping the outside out and the inside in.

Residential roofs are more or less the worst place possible to put solar panels.

[itissid]

> People generally limit the number of roofs to one, as they are expensive and important for keeping the outside out and the inside in.

What does this mean?

And why is it the worst place to put solar panels? Is this and America only phenomenon, cause in India people are installing them like hot cakes on the roof. What’s different about roofs here?

[sokka_h2otribe]

Your roofs are (often) concrete flat roofs with structural floor

The American roofs mentioned are typically significantly inclined, made of a less rigid material (wood, asphalt shingles), and not built to the expectations of supporting as much.

When OP says 'the worst place' they mean it is not a structural place, it is hard to access, and it serves an important function that is best not to mess with.

Note, I do not fully agree with OP but I get the points made.

[idiotsecant]

American roofs are not built to mount anything but lightweight shingles, generally. They need to be designed for the load. Even if you do that, you now have a maintenance item that requires being on your room to perform. The correct place for solar panels is the many, many, many millions of square miles that don't have houses on them.