Solar on Top of Pergola / Patio Cover?

[lkstaack]

An unobstructed hillside could give excellent performance. If operated as a DC string of 300
or 400 VDC, power loss over some distance would be minimal. Some of my panels are over
600' from the house. You might need a fence. Bruce Roe

I'm sure you are right. However, how much longer would it take to return my investment on a 5kw system if it required 150 ft of trenching uphill, pouring footings and constructing a frame to hold it?

[bcroe]

I am researching residential solar for the San Diego, CA area. I have a large roof, but only a small portion of it has an unrestricted view of the south. The rest is east and west, and partially covered by tree shade. I guess about 3 kw of the 5 kw worth of panels I want will fit on the southern facing roof. However, I have a fair sized patio cover / pergola adjoining the house adjacent to that roof. I haven't read about anyone installing solar on a patio. Does anyone know if it is done?

My patio cover is supported by 6x6s sunk into 18" of concrete footing on one side and screwed into a house rafter on the other. I have the option of installing it on a hillside with unrestricted southern views, but suspect that it would not be cost effective to do so. Any experience or insight would be appreciated. Thank you.

An unobstructed hillside could give excellent performance. If operated as a DC string of 300
or 400 VDC, power loss over some distance would be minimal. Some of my panels are over
600' from the house. You might need a fence. Bruce Roe

[lkstaack]

I am researching residential solar for the San Diego, CA area. I have a large roof, but only a small portion of it has an unrestricted view of the south. The rest is east and west, and partially covered by tree shade. I guess about 3 kw of the 5 kw worth of panels I want will fit on the southern facing roof. However, I have a fair sized patio cover / pergola adjoining the house adjacent to that roof. I haven't read about anyone installing solar on a patio. Does anyone know if it is done?

My patio cover is supported by 6x6s sunk into 18" of concrete footing on one side and screwed into a house rafter on the other. I have the option of installing it on a hillside with unrestricted southern views, but suspect that it would not be cost effective to do so. Any experience or insight would be appreciated. Thank you.