A solar panel’s location and direction are just as crucial as the type of solar panel you decide to use.
When the sun’s rays strike the solar panel at a particular angle, your solar panel should be maximally efficient at generating electricity.
Therefore, to make the most of your solar panel, you must install it facing the right direction. Then, tilting it correctly will allow you to produce even more energy.
When you get these two factors right, you’ll expose your panel to high-intensity sunlight for the most prolonged period of the day.
So, in this article, we will focus on how to direct your solar panels for the best performance.
Solar Panel Direction
Standard practice for solar panel placement in the northern hemisphere is they should be true south facing. By the same logic, it should be true north-facing if the solar panel is in the southern hemisphere.
There is a distinction, though, to be made between magnetic south and real south.
When you use a compass, the south represented is magnetic south. Magnetic south indicates our south magnetic pole.
Solar panels, on the other hand, must face geographic or solar south. Alternatively, you can use the direction that leads to the South Pole.
Furthermore, it may be that your panels need to create more energy in the evening when people are home and using more appliances. If so, it’s better to point your panels slightly southwest, in the direction of the setting sun.
Even if you lose a little in total energy production, this is offset by the availability of electricity when you most need it. During the morning through to the early afternoon, most homes have enough electricity from other sources.
If you’re unsure about directing your solar panels, it’s probably a good idea to call in a local solar company to help you out. One way to do this is to search for the best solar company in your area on a search engine.
Solar Panel Angle
A solar panel’s angle is also vital to consider.
Setting your solar panel angle to the same number as your geographical latitude is a common rule for optimal annual energy production.
Say if your solar panel is located at 60 degrees latitude, the best angle is 60 degrees. In general, if your panel is closer to the equator, it should point more straight upwards. So, you should position your panel more and more on a slant at the equator; the closer you are to the poles.
Also, due to environmental conditions, the angle of solar panels can affect your panel’s energy production.
During the winter months in northern latitudes, snow accumulation on low-tilt panels can diminish or prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the solar panel. Furthermore, dirt and debris are more likely to cause issues with low-tilt solar panels, which can block out the sun’s rays to varying degrees.
If you’re not quite sure how to get both the direction and tilt angle of your solar panels, it’s a good idea to call in professional solar providers. The solar panel industry has dealt with solar panel placement for a long time now, so you should be in good hands.
Make the Best Use of Your Solar Panels
If you are going to get solar panels, you may as well maximize their potential. To do this, get their positioning correct and make sure you figure out the proper tilt angle. By doing these things, your solar panels will pay for themselves even quicker.
So thanks for stopping by, and good luck with getting your solar panel installation just right. Also, please consider checking out some of our other helpful blog posts.