Role of Orientation and Tilt of Solar Panels
The placement and orientation of solar panels is just as important as the type of solar panel used. In order for solar panels to reach their best capacity, a panel must be faced the right direction and have the appropriate tilt according to their geographical location and meteorological data. Solar panels have the most power when the sun's rays hit their surface perpendicularly at the highest intensity of sunlight and for the longest period of time.
The geographical location will be essential when orientating the panels.
Achieving the perfect perpendicularity of the sun's rays is the best orientation so that solar panels receive direct light through the day. It may also be beneficial to have a slight rotation, depending on how solar panels are being used. By providing the panels this minimal rotation, a system can produce more electricity. Pointing the panels slightly south-west, for example, in the direction of the setting sun, allows the panels to produce more energy in the evening, when people are home and using more appliances.
This rotation will cause a decrease in total production, which could make more economical sense for someone who prefers to use their generated energy when it is more expensive from the grid, mainly late in the afternoon before the sun sets.
The tilt or angle of a solar panel is also an important factor. The angle that a solar panel should be set at to produce the most energy is determined by the geographical latitude. For the best annual energy production the solar panel tilt angle should be set equal to the geographical latitude. For example, if the location of the solar array is at 50 degree latitude, the optimal tilt angle is also 50 degrees. Basically, the closer a solar panel is located to the equator the more the panel should be pointing straight up. The closer the panel is to the poles, the more they should tilt towards the equator.
SOLAR PANEL LOCATIONS
All solar panel installations are a different, so depending on the orientation and style of your house and your preferences, some places might be better than others for an installation. Which solar panel orientation and tilt is best for your residential, commercial or utility-scale plant?
THE ROOF
Solar panels are mostly installed on roofs. They can be installed on not only the roof of your home or business , but also on any roof within your property. Solar panels can be put on the roof of your garage or a separate building like a shed. This will depend on if your home’s roof isn’t big enough for the solar panels, or if the other structure has more direct exposure to the sun.
The most viable option for solar panel installations are south-facing roofs because they have the greatest energy output. Southeast and southwest-facing roofs will usually do as well.
The main benefit of roof installation is that your panels are out of the way. Solar panels can also protect your roof and keep your house cooler by blocking the sun.
If your roof isn’t south-facing or is too shaded, a roof installation may not be appropriate.
Roof installation makes the most sense if:
You want to keep your house cooler.
You want to protect your roof from harsh weather conditions.
You don’t want to take up space on your property.
No buildings or trees are creating shade on your roof.
Your roof is south-facing and gets enough sun exposure.
THE GROUND
Another good option to consider is installing solar panels on the ground, especially if your roof is not ideal for solar panel installation.
Easier and safer installation and maintenance are among the benefits of ground installation, since the panels can be accessed more easily without climbing onto the roof.
Ground solar panel systems sometimes feature better efficiency due to the space beneath them for airflow, keeping the panels cool. On the ground you have the option to expand your system in the future.
The main downside of installing solar panels on the ground is that they take up space on your property. You need to consider where they’ll be least in the way if you choose this option. For example, some people choose to install solar panels in their front yard rather than the back.
Ground installation makes the most sense if:
You want the option to expand your system later on.
You don’t mind solar panels taking up space.
You don’t want to cover or obstruct your roof’s design elements.
You want easy access to your panels for maintenance and cleaning.
A WALL
Installing your solar panel system on a south-facing wall might be the way to go if you would rather keep them off the ground and don’t have a south-facing roof.
The wall has to face south so that your panels can reach their full solar power potential, which includes excess power generation that will store in your battery as reserves.
Some people like that wall-mounted systems leave their lawns and roofs exposed and untouched.
However, it is rare to have a south-facing wall with no doors, windows, or decorative obstructions, which can leave little room for solar panels. Since they are at a 90 degree pitch, wall-mounted systems produce less energy on average than roof or ground panels. They’ll produce the most energy at the very end of the day, when the sun is low and the rays aren’t as strong.
South-facing wall installation makes the most sense if:
Your home doesn’t require large amounts of energy to power.
You have a wall that faces true south with no obstructions
You don’t want your roof covered but want your panels attached to your home.
EAST-WEST STRUCTURES
Solar arrays that are located east-west are becoming an industry trend rapidly because these structures can squeeze in more rows and panels, and a greater generation capacity than a south-north facing array. This generates more electricity during the morning and evening hours and less during the midday peak when electricity is at its cheapest. This may make more economical sense as people usually leave home in the morning and come back in the afternoon or early evening.
GO SOLAR WITH SUNSHINE CITY SOLAR If you aren’t sure where the best place to install solar panels is, one of the best steps is to consult a professional. Sun City Solar can send a specialist to your home to assess the most suitable location for you.
For more information about Sun City Solar call +1 (915) 745-9675, or complete our online inquiry form to begin your initial consultation.
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