How to Incorporate Solar Panels Into Your Home Design

Switching to solar energy is a smart investment for both your wallet and the environment, but it also opens up exciting design possibilities for your home. At Monalee, we understand that aesthetics matter just as much as efficiency when it comes to solar installations. With the right choices in panel color, thoughtful roof preparation, strategic panel placement, and subtle add-ons, solar panels can enhance your home’s curb appeal while seamlessly blending into its architecture. 

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through essential tips and options to ensure that your solar setup not only powers your home sustainably but also looks great doing it.

5 tips for seamlessly integrating your solar panels into your home’s overall aesthetic

From investing in solar skirts and invisible mounting systems to selecting black solar panels, here are 5 expert ways to go solar with style. 

1. Decide on the solar panel color 

Solar panels might be made of three main materials, but they actually come in a variety of colors and shades. Here are a few options you can choose from:

Blue Panels (Polycrystalline)

These panels have a blue hue due to the crystal arrangement in the cells and an anti-reflective coating. The blue color is not uniform, so the panels can appear slightly marbled or textured.

Black Panels (Monocrystalline)

Black panels tend to cost more than blue panels but they also have higher efficiency which translates to higher savings long-term. Black also gets along with every color and will more seamlessly blend in with your home’s facade. 

We’re fans of black solar panels at Monalee and use LONGi 400w Solar Panels for our installations. This model features advanced module technology and comes with a high efficiency rating (23.2% for the Hi-MO 6). 

Clear or Transparent Panels

Constructed using transparent solar cells or glass-on-glass panels, these panels may appear clear or tinted and are often used in areas like windows, facades, or skylights.

2. Consider a re-roof

As the name suggests, a re-roof is the process of layering new shingles on top of existing shingles or replacing shingles that have fallen off or show visible signs of deterioration. 

Most asphalt shingles roofs have a lifespan of 20-30 years, which is about the same as that of solar panels. You’ll find that many solar equipment companies offer warranty on solar panels for up to 25 years. 

For this reason, many homeowners who notice wear and tear to their roof end up opting for a re-roof ahead of installing their solar equipment. A few signs of damage include cracks, curling shingles, missing shingles, water damage, leaks, or sagging.

It’s worth noting that certain types of roofing materials, like wood shake or slate, are less ideal for supporting solar panels. If this is the case for your home, a re-roof is an opportunity to change to a material that can fully support the weight of solar panels for years to come. 

3. Really think about panel placement 

When it comes to aesthetics, maintaining symmetry and alignment are key to seamlessly integrating solar into your home’s existing design. In a perfect world, panels should match the angles and edges of your roof for a clean, sleek look. Try to arrange your solar panels in a grid pattern, ideally in rectangular blocks with even spacing. 

Assuming this is an optimal placement for efficiency, you can place some solar panels on the back roof where they are less visible from the front. You can also choose areas that match the shape of your roof sections so that panels look like a natural extension of the roof.

At Monalee, we consider several factors when finalizing a homeowner’s solar design. For example, we look at what navigational direction the roof is facing (e.g., a roof in the northern hemisphere that faces south will get the most sun and therefore will be the most efficient). We also take note of any trees or other structures that might cast the panels in shade throughout the day.

That said, you can always add or remove panels ahead of installation. Our 3D-rendered solar designs provide a comprehensive overview of what your home will look like after installation. 

4. Invest in some add-ons for aesthetics 

To better blend solar panels with your existing home design, consider buying one or more of these accessories. 

Invisible mounting systems

Rail-free mounting systems and hidden fasteners lessen the appearance of hardware. From afar, it almost looks like your panels ‘float’ from your roof. 

Attic Runs

Having an attic run means that the electrical conduit and wiring routes from the solar panels through the attic space rather than along the exterior of the roof or walls. This is a great option if you want to minimize the appearance of electrical conduit on your roof. 

Solar skirts or trim kits

A solar skirt is a frame attachment that conceals the lower edge of the solar array, covering any visible gaps and hiding cables or mounting hardware. This creates a more seamless, finished look for the bottom of the panels. At Monalee, we use the IronRidge Contour® Trim.

Critter Guards

Critter guards act as protective barriers for your solar panels. They keep birds, squirrels, and other critters from nesting or entering beneath the panels. They’re also great at keeping leaf buildup at bay.

5. Use landscaping as creative camouflage 

While towering trees can actually block sun from reaching your solar panels, getting creative with landscaping won’t negatively affect your system’s solar production. Here are a few things you can do so that your solar panels aren’t the star in the performance that is your home. 

Create a living wall or experiment with layered planting 

Fast-growing hedges such as privet, arborvitae, or bamboo can quickly form a natural wall around your home’s solar array. Alternatively, plant taller shrubs in the back of your house and shooter flowers or grass in the front. This is a natural way to draw the eyes away from the roof. 

Use shrubs and bushes for natural screening 

Assuming this won’t interfere with energy production (i.e. cast shade over your solar panels), you can try placing small trees like dogwoods, redbuds, or ornamental cherry trees in your front or back yard. When placed in areas that don’t obstruct sunlight, they can provide partial coverage from certain angles. 

Install decorative fencing around your home

Small wooden or bamboo fences installed around the panels add a rustic, natural feel while concealing the base. You might even want to paint or stain the fence to match your home’s exterior. 

Final thoughts

Installing solar panels doesn’t have to detract from your home’s aesthetic—quite the opposite! With thoughtful choices in panel color, strategic roof preparation, careful placement, and additional accessories, solar panels can blend seamlessly into your home’s design. 

At Monalee, we offer a range of options, from sleek black panels to invisible mounting systems, and we’ll work with you on every detail to ensure your solar system looks as good as it performs. Our 3D-rendered designs help you visualize the end result, so you’ll feel confident about your home’s new look before installation. 

With these considerations and add-ons, you can enjoy the benefits of clean energy without compromising on style.