Living off the grid with solar power is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. While there are many basic solar panel setups for off-grid homes, some people like to get creative and try more uncommon DIY solar solutions. Here are 10 unique and unconventional solar panel options to consider for your off-grid dwelling:
1. Solar Shingles
Solar shingles, also called building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), replace traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles. The solar cells are embedded into each shingle, allowing your entire roof to generate electricity from the sun. While more expensive upfront, solar shingles can blend in better aesthetically than traditional solar panels.
Key benefits:
- Seamlessly integrates into your home's aesthetics
- No mounting equipment needed
- More durable than asphalt shingles
2. Solar Trees
Solar trees are freestanding structures modeled to look like trees, with solar PV panels for leaves. They function just like regular solar arrays but have a more natural, aesthetic appeal. Position solar trees around your property to camouflage your solar system.
Key benefits:
- Blends into natural environments
- Can provide shade as well as power
- Easy repositioning based on sunlight needs
3. Tracking Solar Panels
Tracking solar panels are mounted on frames with motorized pivots allowing them to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day. This exposes the solar cells to optimal sunlight, increasing energy production by 20-30% compared to fixed panels. Tracking panels require more equipment but maximize solar efficiency.
Key benefits:
- Extracts more energy from the sun
- Works well in any latitude
- Can be programmed for customized tracking
4. Solar Panels Over Crops
Installing elevated horizontal solar panels over crop fields, also called agrivoltaics, allows you to generate power while still farming the land. The spaced-out panel arrangement provides partial shade and reduces evaporation. Solar array supports can even double as trellises for climbing crops.
Key benefits:
- Dual-use of land for both solar power and agriculture
- Solar panels provide partial shade for crops
- Elevates panels above ground obstacles
5. Solar Trackers on RV
Mounting small solar trackers onto your RV allows you to continually orient panels toward the sun while on the move. Independent trackers on each panel provide a 42% increase in output compared to fixed RV solar arrays. Choose from single-axis or dual-axis tracking systems.
Key benefits:
- Maximizes solar output for RVs
- Offsets battery drain from appliances
- Provides off-grid power anytime, anywhere
6. Floating Solar Panels
Floating solar arrays are installed on pontoons over bodies of water like lakes, reservoirs, or ponds. They can generate significant amounts of electricity while minimizing land usage. Floating panels also perform better due to natural cooling from the water below.
Key benefits:
- Makes use of water surfaces for solar farms
- Keeps panels cooler, improving efficiency
- Reduces algae growth by blocking sunlight
7. Solar Panels in Patio Umbrella
Turn your back patio into a small solar farm by installing panels on your patio umbrella. The panels fold together when the umbrella closes, protecting them from weather and theft. Wire them to charge a battery bank that powers evening patio lights and appliances.
Key benefits:
- Fully retractable/protected solar array
- Uses vacant outdoor space for power generation
- Instantly creates a shaded patio area
8. Solar Sails
Solar sails employ ultra-lightweight reflective material to harness solar photons for propulsion, like a sail captures wind. Experimental solar sails in development could provide Clean propulsion for small spacecraft. Scale down the tech to make an artful solar generator for your property.
Key benefits:
- Inspired by spacecraft technology
- Ultra-lightweight and visually striking
- Functions passively without motors
9. Solar Panels on Vehicle
Outdoor enthusiasts often mount solar panels directly on overland vehicles like vans, truck campers, and trailers. This provides readily-available supplemental power for appliances, even deep off-grid. Choose flexible panels that can curve over rooftops for easy installation.
Key benefits:
- Charges your house battery bank on the go
- Powers appliances without need for shore power
- Provides emergency power source in remote areas
10. DIY Solar Cell Kits
Those with a passion for science and hands-on learning can purchase DIY solar cell educational kits. These provide all the materials and instructions to build your own photovoltaic panels from basic components. While not economically practical, it allows for a deep understanding of solar power generation.
Key benefits:
- Learn the solar process start-to-finish
- Appreciation for how solar technology works
- Satisfaction of building your own system
The possibilities are endless when designing unique DIY solar set ups. Use these uncommon solar array ideas as inspiration for your own off-grid dwelling. With some creativity and innovation, you can build renewable solar power generation into your property in aesthetically-pleasing ways.