PV arrays can look great. They can also look ugly. I think solid glass rectangles look great. Arrays that wrap around vent pipes and other roof obstructions... look industrial and ugly.

Some homeowners care, while others seem oblivious. And some PV arrays are prominently street facing, while some are tucked away and forgotten.

But in situations where 1) the homeowner is aesthetically minded and 2) the PV array is on public display... I'll at least offer a higher-cost option to move the hot vent(s).

Last December, I installed a 12-module system in Martinez. But first, I moved a kitchen-range exhaust vent to the other side of the ridge. This was my first HVAC work. Lots of YouTube videos. A little hounding of rushed contractors in Home Depot's HVAC aisle. Consultation with ChatGPT. The exhaust-vent manufacturer confirmed that the extended duct work was well within spec.

To cover the old 1' square hole in the roof, I sistered two 2x4s for 1' square plywood. Then metal flashing, roof caulk, roof nails, and self-drilling screws with seals. (Next time, I'll use replacement shingles instead of flashing.)

I was encouraged by the roofing pros on YouTube to be more aggressive with removing nearby roof nails, so I could really lift up nearby shingles. Gotta get the flashing way up in there, and to secure it where rainwater won't go.

Overall, it went slow but well. I think I did it responsibly.

The homeowner told me after the install: "Last night, I was telling my poker buddies how nice my solar array looks."

I think PV installers rarely move hot vents. We aren't HVAC companies. It adds liability and complication. But considering that some of these arrays will be noticed every day for over 20 years... by golly, it's worth it.

Aesthetics aside, it maximizes the solar production on the sunniest roof face. And while it's more work overall, it does reduce the time installing PV (because I'm installing one big array instead of several small arrays).