Hey everyone! I have a bit of a tricky yard situation. My side yards are really small since I live on the water, and my front yard is just this big, open square of grass facing south with no trees. I'm exploring aesthetically pleasing options for mounting solar panels, but I want to avoid making the space look cluttered. I've thought about a carport over the driveway, but I'm worried it would be too expensive and not visually appealing. Even though I could place them in the backyard without blocking any views, we use that space a lot more than the front. Also, there's a large shed back there that's partially shaded, so I'd only be able to put a few panels on the unshaded side. Any ideas on how to fit them in the front without it looking too out of place? I've been considering angling them from the roof line to the ground right in front of the house. Any recommendations?
2 Answers
I actually have solar panels mounted on a pergola in my front yard, and it looks great! It blends nicely with my landscaping and provides some shade too. Just make sure to choose a design that complements your house to keep everything looking cohesive. If there’s an option for a long narrow porch, that could also help the setup blend in more seamlessly with your front yard. Besides, putting them in the front can make use of the otherwise ‘wasted’ space!
Have you thought about installing a solar pergola? It could provide shade and look stylish at the same time! Just keep in mind to check with your local zoning department first to avoid any issues with permits and what’s allowed in the front yard. Some areas have strict rules on structures in front of the house—it’s better to be safe than sorry! You could also consider ground mounts, but they usually stand out more unless done really well. If aesthetics are a concern, think about incorporating them into a design feature like a pergola or even extending the shed’s roof to offer extra storage space.
That’s a great point about checking the zoning! I want it to look tidy since it's facing the street. Plus, I agree that a pergola sounds like a nice way to integrate the panels without being too obtrusive.