INFLUENCE OF MODERN TRENDS IN SOLAR ENERGY USAGE ON AESTHETIC QUALITIES OF THE CITY

Abstract

Energy independence remains a priority task for most European countries. Along with traditional energy sources, more and more attention is being paid to renewable energy usage. The best solution for city residents is the use of solar energy for the local needs of individual households. However, chaotic installation of solar panels on the roofs has a negative impact on the aesthetic qualities of urban environment. Many problems as well arise during installation of panels itself on the roof structure. After all, solar panels have significant weight, which usually was not taken into account when calculating the roof structure. The wind load, which is higher for planar elements, also was not taken into account, which can provoke negative consequences like destruction of an entire structure during exploitation. Key problem is that in most cases panels are being installed on the already existing roof and were not laid in the project. Conducted research has revealed the negative impact of voluntarily installed solar panels on aesthetic qualities of the city. Argued the importance of coordinating the installation of solar energy accumulating elements with the architecture of the building and the environment by selecting an appropriate shape, texture and color. Proved the need to foresee during the design process the use of solar panels in the construction of the roof and walls to partially supply buildings with energy at the local level. Envisaging solar panels at the design stage will avoid duplicating the roof profile, which will reduce the weight of the roof structure and extend its service life. The analysis of main methods for organizing the "solar roof" showed that the most appropriate, from an aesthetic point of view, is the use of solar roof tiles. Based on analysis of available materials for accumulating solar energy, it was found that today there is no manufacturer that provides a complete solar roof with all its elements (gutters, snow retainers, deaerators, ladders, etc.). However, it is possible to choose elements with the corresponding texture and color and combine roof elements from different manufacturers.