Saturday, March 23, 2024

What Direction Is Best For Solar Panels

Other Places You Can Install Solar Panels

DIY Solar Panel: Best Angle for Solar Panels, Optimum Tilt Angle and Direction

If the direction of your rooftop is not southward, there are still other areas you can install solar systems.

  • Roof install it on the roof anyway. A simple 1400-watt solar panel can still produce energy even if they are not facing southwards.
  • Wall a south-facing wall is a good alternative for homes with roofs that dont face the ideal direction. Make sure that the wall is shade-free.
  • Solar array on the ground a ground-mounted solar system is another great location. This area is easy to maintain and install and is a great alternative for those without other options.

How Can I Know Direction

You need to know that north is at noon, east at three oclock, south at six oclock, and west at nine oclock, she explains. And the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. So if you want to walk south in the morning, the sun should be on your left. If its evening, substitute the stars for the sun.

Youre Our First Priority

Affiliate Tool is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

110 30

  • 9.6BOT Score

    Scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our BOT Reporting tool based on the collected data. This score is born to evaluate product quality, and is automatically obtained and is not influenced by anyone, any company, any brand.

  • SAFE & STEADY POWER SUPPLY: Armed with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, the Explorer 300 features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power. The portable power station weighs only 7.1 pounds. You can simply rest assured in outdoor off-grid activities.
  • SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapator when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.more
  • 9.6BOT Score

    Scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our BOT Reporting tool based on the collected data. This score is born to evaluate product quality, and is automatically obtained and is not influenced by anyone, any company, any brand.

Read Also: Solar Lights 6×6 Post Caps

Which Is More Important Angle Or Orientation

Because of all the nuances and various factors involved with determining the proper angle of your solar panels, you might think that it is the most important factor come installation. However, the opposite is true. When it comes to solar panels, determining the correct orientation is the most important variable.

Improper orientation will mean that your panels wont get enough exposure time to the sun, reducing your electricity output drastically. The wrong angle on the correct orientation will produce more energy than the correct angle on the wrong orientation.

Solar panels are a great way to improve the efficiency of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding to go solar other than the potential cost savings. The company you choose will have the knowledge to install your solar panels appropriately, however, knowing a few key principals about solar panel installation is always a good starting point.

Proper solar panel orientation and angle is the ideal place to start since these two factors have the greatest effect on efficiency. Dissect the information this article lays out, and work the numbers as they pertain to the location of your home. This will enable you to compare information with your solar panel installer in order to make sure your panels are set up to run as efficiently as possible.

South Is Best For Homes With Net Metering

Roof vents are always getting in our way of using the entire roof. Now ...

If youre in a location where full retail net metering is available, the best direction for your solar panels is south.

Thats because if 1:1 net metering is available, your priority should be to most efficiently achieve your desired level of solar output, with no regard to when that power is produced.

Let me explain. Solar panels facing south produce the most power overall, but they also produce most of it during midday. Midday is when your consumption is typically at its lowest, so there will be lots of surplus power produced. With net metering, surplus power is actually a good thing: you can export that electricity to the grid in return for bill credits equal to the full retail value.

In other words, if youre in a location with 1:1 net metering, it wont matter when youre producing solar power. Instead, youll want a solar power setup that produces 100% of your electricity usage at the minimum possible cost this can be achieved by orienting your solar panels south.

Learn more: What is net metering and how does it work?

Read Also: Solar Lights For Vinyl Fence Posts

The Best Direction For Solar Panels In Florida

As a homeowner in Florida, its important to understand the best direction for solar panels on your home.

The most efficient position is south-facing panels towards the sun with an angle of 30 degrees.

Solar energy is an increasingly popular power source for homes and businesses across the country. But where should you install them?

Here are some of the best directions for solar panels in Florida. First, position them to maximize sun exposure during different times of the day.

For example, if theyre facing south, theyll receive more sunlight during midday hours than at sunrise or sunset- so keep that in mind when positioning them!

Second, consider their orientation East/West vs. North/South which will also affect how much sun they get at different points throughout the day.

Basics Of Solar Panel Orientation

So, what is the best direction for solar panels? For homeowners who live in the Northern Hemisphere, the rule of thumb is that solar panels should be oriented toward true south.

This is the best orientation because it ensures that solar panels receive direct sunlight throughout the day. Its also worth noting that solar panels are most efficient when the suns rays strike them perpendicularly. Again, this true south/true north orientation can be helpful, but angle also plays a large part in this parameter.

Don’t Miss: What Battery Is Best For Solar System

Why Are My Solar Panels Not Saving Me Money

You are already aware that the placement and angle of your panels make an enormous difference in the amount of money that you are able to save when using them, but there are many other factors involved in maximizing your solar savings too.

These factors also play an important role.

  • Miscalculation of energy requirements
  • A lack of regular inspections and maintenance
  • Not regularly cleaning your solar panels
  • Damage to your solar system

An issue in any one of the above areas can lead to a dramatic reduction in the effectiveness of your solar panels and therefore also a huge reduction in your cost savings. We will now explain how each of these areas can impact the savings you make over the lifetime of your solar panels.

Roof Pitch Also Matters For Solar Panel Orientation

Best Solar Panel Orientation

Though less impactful than the roof orientation, the angle of solar panels also affects production. The goal is to maximize sunlight that hits the panels at a perpendicular angle. If the panels are to be mounted flush with the roof, then the steepness, called roof pitch, decides the angle of the solar panels.

The ideal angle for south-facing panels here in the U.S. is between 30 and 40 degrees . The systems latitude will determine what the exact best angle is for solar production. Steeper angles have the added benefit of helping with maintenance, as snow and debris tend to slide right off.

East- and west-facing panels generate more energy when mounted flatter than 30 degrees. For example, east or west-facing solar panels that are at a 15-degree tilt trail the production of south-facing panels by 15% instead of 20% when at a 30-degree tilt.

Sub-optimal roof pitch can be corrected by constructing a mounting system that angles the panels to a preferred tilt, but this typically comes at a premium. Homes with flat roof are often able to utilize ballast-mounted systems, which have the added benefit of not requiring roof penetrations or additional racking.

Recommended Reading: How Much Energy Does A 10kw Solar System Produce

How To Calculate Output On Your Roof Based On Its Direction

The easiest way to adjust for the impact of your roofs direction on your potential solar panel output is by using the SolarReviews calculator.

The calculator gives us an accurate output from which we calculate the cost and savings you will get based on your local solar prices and the amount you pay your utility company for electricity.

Get a custom solar cost and savings estimate

The All Important Rule On Angles

Its also important to choose the proper angle for your solar panels, in addition to the finest direction.

The usual rule of thumb is to align the tilt angle of the solar panels with the geographical latitude.

Your solar panels angle will ensure that the sun reaches them perpendicularly, resulting in the most solar production and, as a result, the most electricity bill savings for your household.

That stated, you should think about how the weather affects solar panels. Heavy snowfall is a good example of this.

If you live in an area of the country where there is a lot of snow, your solar panels might not be as effective as they could be.

You can reduce the accumulation of snow or other debris by tilting your panels at a steeper angle.

This may sound complicated, but expert solar installers will work with you to develop a solar power system that works best for you,

including advising you on where to place your panels, how to angle them, and other details.

You May Like: Can I Make Solar Panels At Home

Determining Optimum Solar Panel Angle By Zip Code

To find the optimal angle for your solar panels, do a Google search for the latitude of your home address or your zip code. Typically, an ideal angle for your solar panels will be equal or close to the latitude of your home. However, proper solar panel angle will fluctuate over the course of the year.

For summer and the warmer months, it will be 15 degrees minus your latitude. For winter and and the cooler months, the ideal solar panel angle will be 15 degrees added to your latitude.

Q: Other Perks Of South

Can I have Solar Panels on a Shed?This is one way.

A: If your home has access to net metering, facing your solar panels south increases output and sends more power to the grid. During mid-day hours, energy collection is higher. Since most people arent home then, more power is generated than needed, so you can get reimbursed for more. Time of use rates are also a consideration. With TOU rates, power sent to the grid during peak hours is worth more, so pointing solar panels to the west or southwest later in the day can help earn you more money.

Read Also: Does It Matter If Solar Panels Are Vertical Or Horizontal

What’s The Best Direction For Solar Panels

Its a factthe orientation of your roof affects how much energy solar panels can potentially produce. Still, its not as straightforward as assigning a one-size fits all hard and fast rule for solar panel placement. For homes in the northern hemisphere, south-facing solar panels do receive the most direct sunlight throughout the year. However, a south-facing roof is by no means a necessity for a productive and economically viable solar power system.

A rooftop solar power system facing east or west can still generate enough energy to meet your energy demandsparticularly if its paired with a home battery backup system. Solar panel direction is one of several factors that determine the viability of rooftop solar. Here is a breakdown of the role roof orientation plays in producing clean, renewable energy for your home.

Do You Have To Have A South Facing Roof To Have Solar Panels

In the UK, South facing panels will generate more than other orientations. Solar panels perform at their best when the sun is shining straight on to the panels. When the sun shines onto the surface at an angle, the panel will still generate electricity but it will be less effective. The sun moves from East to West during the day and is higher or lower in the sky depending on the season . This means that for most roof mounted systems the sun will be at an angle for the vast majority of the time. The optimum placement to maximise generation is to face the panels South but that might not be possible for your property.

We ran a few calculations and found that SE and SW facing placements can expect to generate around 94% of the electricity a South facing install would. Thats much better than most people would guess and even an East / West facing roof can generate around 80% of the maximum. We assumed a 40° elevation for the roof. At lower pitches, say 30°, the East / West facing panels perform slightly closer to South. At higher pitches, the difference increases.

You May Like: Small Off Grid Solar System

Solar Panel Orientation Faqs

In addition to knowing that the south side of your roof is the best place for solar panels, it could be helpful to know the answers to these common solar panel installation questions.

What is best angle for solar panels?

Solar panels are most efficient when placed at a 30-45 degree angle facing the sun.

Roofs are designed at angles ranging from 18 degrees up to 70, and there are even some outliers even beyond those extremes.

Your solar panel installation team will use brackets and mounting equipment to set your panels up at exactly the right angle, taking into account the slope of your roof.

Is it better to put solar panels on East or West?

As we explained above, south is the best direction for solar panels, but if thats not possible, face them to the west.

This will allow them to catch the setting suns rays and give you more solar power when you are home in the evenings and likely to use more power.

Do solar panels need to be south facing?

Solar panels dont really have to face south, although it is best. If your roof doesnt face south, there are a few things you can do to improve their efficiency:

  • Install more solar panels on a non-south facing roof. A few extra panels should make up the difference.
  • Install them on the ground so they can face south. Many homeowners are willing to give up a little yard space for the benefit of solar energy.

See Also: Can I Connect a Solar Panel Directly to a Battery?

How Long Does It Take To Recoup Your Investment

Which is BEST? – North South Vs East West Solar Panel Facing Orientation

How long it takes to earn back your initial investment depends on how much you spend on your solar panel project. If you snag a system for under $11,000, it will take about seven years to recoup the cost. If your initial investment is closer to $26,000, it will take 12 years to break even. Once your solar panels have saved enough in energy costs to pay for themselves, all other savings are a bonus.

Don’t Miss: Is There A Solar Storm Coming

Are Some Types Of Solar Panels More Efficient Than Others

As stated above, new solar panels come with better efficiency and technology. The type of solar panel you buy is a big factor in energy production. Here are some types of solar panels and their efficiency rates.

  • Monocrystalline Solar Panels ~20%
  • Polycrystalline Solar Panels ~15%
  • Thin-Film: Amorphous Silicon Solar Panels ~7 to 10%
  • Concentrated PV Cell ~41%

Installing these panels in your home can be a cost-effective and efficient way to power refrigerators, air conditioners, lights, and other appliances.

Which Way To Face Your Bed

Depending on which direction you position the bed, you will have various other advantages through Feng Shui. For example, you can place your bed either facing East, South East, West, North West or South West for best results. West :When you face your bed west, you create the best conditions for a good nights sleep.

Read Also: Replacement Solar Light For Lighthouse

Buying More Solar Panels

Solar panels are not as expensive as they used to be. In fact, you could get high-quality photovoltaic modules for around $7,000. So, if you are looking for ways to increase power output, buying a few extra solar panels and placing them in the right direction could be the cheapest option.

Just make sure that each sub-array is connected to its own Maximum Power Point Tracker within the inverter if you want to get the best performance from your solar system.

The Orientation Of Solar Panels

Best RV Solar Panels &  Kits (Review &  Buying Guide) in 2020

The best direction for solar panels is determined by the location. Those living in the Northern Hemisphere need to position their solar panels south, whereas solar installations in the Southern Hemisphere should be installed north. This is because of the suns southern offset in the Northern Hemisphere and a northern offset in the southern one.

As an example, let us take a roof in the Northern Hemisphere. While the south side will get the most of the sun, the north side of the building will be mostly in shade. During the morning hours, the west is shaded, and the east gets the sun. In the evening, we get a vice versa scenario: the east is shaded and the west is under the sun. Therefore, for a solar system in the Northern Hemisphere, the best orientation is the south. But, if you have limited space on your roof and cant put your solar panels in the greatest location, its preferable to put them as close to the south as possible.

If you position solar panels only east or west, they will anyway generate a good amount of energy but only during the mornings or evenings. In total, they will generate around 20% less energy than for example, a south-facing roof. However, adding up a few additional panels to the east and west will give you a good amount of free electricity from early morning right through to late evening.

You May Like: Is Non Small Cell Lung Cancer A Solid Tumor

Popular Articles
Related news