Although the sun is the only source of solar power and the geographical location plays a vital part in solar energy production. The ideal location for solar panels influences the energy production capacity of the system.
There are many places around the world where sunlight is limited, and you have to place the solar panels in the best place.
The truth is that the solar system picks energy during the day, and excessive sunlight can put power rapidly on it.
This writing will help you to understand the ideal location for solar panels and explain these ideas and questions:
- Understand how to create the highest affection from the sun with solar power?
- Choose the best roof shapes for solar panels.
- Solar panel placement and roof pitch.
- Sun, shade, and solar panel placement.
- Choose the best roof styles for solar panels.
- Where are solar panels most efficient?
- Do solar panels work at night?
Contents
Understand How to Create the Highest Affection from the Sun with Solar Power
Solar panels produce more electricity when they get sufficient sunlight. To understand the best affection from the sun with solar power, you must determine the location and position of the home or building.
In general, the southern direction is the ideal place for solar panels. The panels can get more sunlight in this direction.
However, you should know the matter of the “magnetic south” and the “true south.” The solar panel should project to the true south.
It is better to use a compass to differentiate the location of the magnetic south and true south.
Solar Panel Placement and Roof Pitch
The production capacity of the solar panels may vary based on the pitch of the home. The term pitch represents the angle of the roof.
The roof’s pitch determines the number of inches that rise horizontally for every 12 inches.
Besides, a horizontal pitch doesn’t require extra equipment during the installation. It is easy to install and set up on the home that has the pitch. In this case, solar panel placement and roof pitch complement each other.
However, a home without a horizontal roof is also perfect for solar panel installation, but it is ideal and easy to install with the pitch.
A home with a pitch can reduce the installation cost by up to 15%.
Effect of Tilt Angle on Solar Panel Output
The perfect roof pitch selection depends on the location of the installation of the solar panels. It is said that the roof pitch equals the latitude of the solar panel’s location.
The pitch angles between 30 to 45 degrees often work.
When you install the solar panels at the perfect angle, it will increase the energy production rate. That means it will enhance the efficiency of solar panels.
The pitch and angle ensure the array of sunlight on the solar panels. If the system picks more sunlight, you will get more energy.
So, the tilt angle may affect the production and output of a solar system. It is better to understand the facts to get the ultimate output.
Flat Roofs and Ballasted Solar Panels
You need different solar panels’ mounting systems if you have a flat roof house.
Homes with flat roofs require more equipment and installation techniques to gather sufficient sunlight.
On the contrary, the ballasted roof mount system is quick to ship, easy to install and perfect to pick sufficient sunlight.
The ballasted roof mount system comes with a simple installation process, and it can be a solution for challenging roofs. It uses blocks and racks to hold the solar panels on the roof.
It is also applicable for home and commercial purposes. You can increase energy production with this compact solar installation system.
So, the ballasted solar roof mount is ideal for flat roof solar panel installation.
Sun, Shade and Solar Panel Placement
The main purpose of installing solar panels is to capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. The system converts sunlight to electric current.
We use this electric current to run all the devices and appliances that require electricity.
On the other hand, the increasing usage of solar energy enables us to run devices that need heavy power, such as fridges, microwaves, air conditioners, and more.
So, it is important to face solar panels in the right place. If the sun is blocked with large objects, it is hard or impossible to produce essential electricity.
Shade may reduce the panels’ efficiency, and obstacles can stop the energy generation process.
So, sun, shade, and solar panel placement are significant factors for solar panel installation.
The Best Direction for Solar Panels to Face
Before installing solar panels, you have to select the place where sunlight is available all day long. Because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
To get the ultimate result, face the solar panels to the south. South-facing solar panels always get the sunlight. This projection will never bring the shadow on the panels.
If you face solar panels to the east and west, you will get the sunlight for a limited time. In this module, the production capacity will decrease, creating problems in getting the necessary energy.
However, solar panels need continuous sunlight. You should avoid places that prohibit sunlight with shadows.
The Effect of Shading on Solar Panels
Everyone indeed loves a large tree and its shade. Trees are helpful for various aspects, and it provides several advantages for us.
Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. But, a tree and its shade can create several problems regarding solar panels.
You have to select a place where there is no shade from trees. It will help you get enough energy and remain active in the system.
However, you shouldn’t destroy trees for the sake of sunlight; you either find a place far from the shade of the trees.
So, make sure that you set the solar panels in an ideal place. A better place will enable the opportunity to get more energy.
Choose Best Roof Shapes for Solar Panels
Homes may contain many roofs with several shapes. The shape of a roof can affect the work of the solar panels.
If you have a home that faces east, west, or south, you should choose the south projection to establish solar panels.
If your homes contain lots of space on the roof, it will be easier to select the ideal place.
Remember, many roofs are captured with shades of different obstacles, and you must avoid the place where shade is available.
An open and spacious roof can provide direct sunlight to the panels. It creates more power and even stores for further use. If you have batteries for additional support, you need huge energy to recharge them.
Available Space Matters
The size of an average solar panel is 65 by 39 inches. It equals 17.5 square feet for a single solar panel.
An average home comes with 3000 square feet of roof space. If there are no shades, the pitches will pick boundless sunlight.
Besides, an average roof can contain 171 solar panels and generate huge energy.
If you don’t have enough space, it will be challenging or impossible to get potential energy for an average home.
You have to measure the available space on the roof along with the number of solar panels. The accurate measurement will make it easy to install and perfect for service.
Altogether, available space can enhance the opportunity of power production.
Choose Best Roof Styles for Solar Panels
An ideal roofing style helps you establish solar panels at the lowest cost. A roof with super steep pitches will make it hard to install solar panels.
As we discussed, the south-facing homes are consummate for installing solar panels. These types of roofs provide sunlight all day long.
However, roof style can not set up everything. There are additional factors regarding the issues.
If you have an ideal roof, then it is fantastic. Otherwise, the installation process needs customization and excessive equipment.
Finally, you have to determine all the matters and choose the best roof styles for solar panel installation. It will bring all the changes and produce green energy at ease.
Common Roof Types for Solar Installations
You can install solar panels easily on roofs made of asphalt, tile, wood, shake, rubber, copper, and metal.
Keep in mind, roofs of shake and wood require additional equipment, but it is possible to set up solar panels on them.
FAQs
Where are solar panels most efficient?
Solar panels are most efficient on south-facing roofs. It will provide sunlight all day long.
Do solar panels work at night?
No, it couldn’t work at night. Because the sun is the energy source, there is no sun at night.
Conclusion
Altogether, the ideal location of solar panels may be different around the world. But the south-facing solar panels are common everywhere.
I plan to install a few solar panels for my house and your article has helped me a lot!
And I am contemplating installing solar panels and inverters on my home by myself?
One question: Can I wire the panels together in a series?
Thank you very much!