Getting the most out of solar panels has to do with how they are maintained and their placement. Solar panel placement ensures that maximum sunlight can be collected. The efficiency of your solar panels depends on multiple factors working together to help power your home or business.
American Solar And Roofing understands the intricacies of solar energy. Our qualified team gets your solar panel placement right the first time so that your energy consumption can be reduced. Arizona residents have been working with our team for over 20 years.
More About Solar Panel Efficiency
Your solar panels need to sit in direct sunlight for all daylight hours to collect enough sunlight to power your house. The angle and position of your panels will help them to function efficiently. Solar panels will harness the most power when the sun hits them perpendicularly. The panels should get the highest intensity of sun or else you will not be able to function properly in your home or business.
Some solar systems can move throughout the day to follow the sun. But the majority of homeowners and businesses don’t want to pay the price for these tracking systems. Fixed systems need to have optimal solar panel placement in order to provide a space with maximum energy.
How To Achieve Optimal Solar Panel Placement
Consider Shading
Even the smallest amount of shade can impact how your solar panels perform. Surrounding trees, buildings, chimneys, or other obstructions can cause shadows to cover the panels. When even part of the panels is obscured, the amount of energy produced is significantly reduced.
When having panels installed, consider the trees around your home and keep them trimmed. If you have ground panels, place them away from the shade of your home and large trees.
Roof Orientation
South-facing roofs are best for homes in the Northern Hemisphere for solar panel placement. In the Southern Hemisphere, roofs facing true north will be ideal. Pointing the panels to where they will receive the most direct sunlight is the best way to get energy for your home.
Putting solar panels on the southwest side of your home will help them gather sunlight as the sun is setting. This provides the home with energy during the busiest time of the day when individuals are home and are using multiple appliances at once.
Placing panels slightly facing east, will help those who use them for heating and lighting their home. While the sun rises, the panels can collect all this light to get the home ready for the upcoming day. With cooler temperatures and low light being common in the morning, placing your solar panels toward the rising sun will keep a home warm and well-lit.
Tilt Angle
The angle of your solar panels also plays a role in how much UV light they collect. The tilt will depend on your latitude and the slope of your roof. As the sun moves closer or farther away from the Earth, less sunlight hits specific areas of the world. Placing solar panels at an angle increases the chances of sunlight hitting them at all times of the day, no matter the season.
Monitor Collection And Performance
After solar panels are installed, monitoring their performance will help homeowners or business owners know if their placement is optimal. If solar panel placement doesn’t seem to be providing enough energy to power your building, the orientation should be adjusted.
Adjusting the angle of some or all of your panels or having them face a new direction could help you gain more energy. Having a monitoring system will give you clear insights into how your panels are performing and when the sunlight is hitting them.
Optimal Placement Insight From American Solar & Roofing
Finding the right solar panel placement is easier when working with an expert. American Solar & Roofing has a dedicated team of engineers and project managers to help you every step of the way. Our team will sit down with each client to help find the best layout for your home and maximize their output. Our team is with you throughout the entire solar process.
Hands-on and communicative installation is something that sets our company apart. Schedule a meeting with our team today and get started on the road to solar energy.
