LeftieBiker said:Yeah, we looked into solar here, but the slate roof and relatively narrow South yard prohibited it. We do have one big solar thermal panel, and I wish we'd gotten two of them side by side. Our hydro plant is 3/4 of a mile from us, at least.
Yeah, retrofitting solar isn't always easy. I was lucky that my house is a cheap tract home with a huge south facing roof face with little to no shade. Hot as hell in the summer, but the grid tied solar system that would fit perfectly would also help with the heat too.
A little ways out... ($)
One thing that many people don't consider is that solar doesn't necessarily have to be on the roof. I've seen some nice systems along a fence in the back yard with planters underneath, and there is always the pole mounted array option which has the advantage of being taken down for winter (if that matters) and being able to pivot during the day to maximize collection. Then there is a rack mount...
You probably have more options than you think. (I'm a big solar proponent if you can't tell)