Lowest reflectivity, all black panels for an HOA that hates PV panels

[munitor]

I'm looking for a panel that will convince a hostile HOA that the panels will not cause complaints. The HOA has had bad previous experiences with homeowners installing PV panels that cause reflections and glare on uphill properties. Most of this development is on a hillside. We are located just 12 deg N, so panels can be flat and not lose much efficiency. Electricity is $0.39/kWh here with unlimited net-off from the utility, so there is strong incentive to install a grid connected system. Even though transportation and sales tax here are expensive, the economics still look good. Unfortunately we have 3-phase power to the homes, so inverters are expensive, but that's another conversation.

A panel that looks like a flat black rectangle would be best, so what is available that looks like that? Chic, non-reflective, all black (the HOA even complains about aluminum frames).

[J.P.M.]

I'm looking for a panel that will convince a hostile HOA that the panels will not cause complaints. The HOA has had bad previous experiences with homeowners installing PV panels that cause reflections and glare on uphill properties. Most of this development is on a hillside. We are located just 12 deg N, so panels can be flat and not lose much efficiency. Electricity is $0.39/kWh here with unlimited net-off from the utility, so there is strong incentive to install a grid connected system. Even though transportation and sales tax here are expensive, the economics still look good. Unfortunately we have 3-phase power to the homes, so inverters are expensive, but that's another conversation.

A panel that looks like a flat black rectangle would be best, so what is available that looks like that? Chic, non-reflective, all black (the HOA even complains about aluminum frames).

The reflection is caused by the reflectivity of the glass, not necessarily the color of the panels or the frames. Many panels use "non reflective" glass that reduces, but probably doesn't eliminate glare, particularly at low incidence angles. Sometimes folks jump on solar glare as a red herring when the real situation may be closer to their dislike of something new and different looking. Black or frameless panels will change the appearance, but probably will not, in and of itself eliminate any glare problems to the extent they exist. As a member of an HOA board, I'd suggest reading the CC & R's, identifying the real concerns, having everyone take a deep breath and find a common solution in a CC & R clarification or revision.

J.P.M.

[munitor]

The reflection is caused by the reflectivity of the glass, not necessarily the color of the panels or the frames. Many panels use "non reflective" glass that reduces, but probably doesn't eliminate glare, particularly at low incidence angles. Sometimes folks jump on solar glare as a red herring when the real situation may be closer to their dislike of something new and different looking. Black or frameless panels will change the appearance, but probably will not, in and of itself eliminate any glare problems to the extent they exist. As a member of an HOA board, I'd suggest reading the CC & R's, identifying the real concerns, having everyone take a deep breath and find a common solution in a CC & R clarification or revision.

J.P.M.

I know the reflectivity of the glass is primarily the cause of reflection, however there are aesthetics involved, as well. For example, solar water heaters are allowed, but they must look like skylights (interesting that there is no HOA concerns about skylight reflectivity). I do expect the HOA to be very pragmatic, so hopefully a rational discussion can be had. I did do 3d modeling of the location to determine visibility and reflectivity concerns, and there should be none, but the HOA does not like the "look" of most panels, thus my original question.

[Naptown]

Sunpower uses a non reflective glass
The new (wait a long time for) 345's are all black and I mean all black.
Next best would be a mono panel with black frame and black back sheet. You will still see the surface buss bars but oh well

[munitor]

Sunpower uses a non reflective glass
The new (wait a long time for) 345's are all black and I mean all black.

Those look nice. What is the typical wait time?

[Naptown]

currently about 6 months and only available through a Sunpower dealer
Oh and they are about twice as much as other panels

[munitor]

currently about 6 months and only available through a Sunpower dealer
Oh and they are about twice as much as other panels

That price does horrendous things to the economics. As I mentioned, we have 3-phase to the homes here, so inverter price is already quite high on installs.

What would be your next best recommendation, after the $unpower panel?

[Costa Rica]

Reflectivity/glare issues

Any updates to this conversation? I'll be building in Costa Rica. My current plan is to put the panels on my southern side but I have uphill neighbors that will be looking down on my roof and panels. Everyone understands and accepts the aesthetics of panels, but we do have a reflection concern. Will they be looking at essentially mirrors that produce a glare and ruin their view? Would they get a glare all day or only for an hour when the angle is just so? Or no glare at all?

My neighbors are my friends and I have no desire to alienate them or force a solution that isn't a win/win on reflectivity/glare.

[Mike90250]

Most PV panels are loaded with anti-reflective coatings, so that they capture as much solar as possible. But, it's not 100% effective, but much less than a sheet of plain glass would be.

I'd say scrounge for a used glass sliding door, and lay it on the roof for a week, and see how it works out. The reflection will change as the sun varies according to the season, so what is fine in March, might be not a good as December or July.

And you could offer to install solar window film on someones house if there was a problem.