Rooftop Solar Panels: 4 Steps to Choosing Location
updated at : Saturday, January 14th, 2017
You have decided to install rooftop solar panels to reduce your electricity bill and save the planet at the same time. Your rooftop gets sunshine throughout the day but you are not sure how to choose a solar energy system installation location that will maximize solar-energy-output through maximum sunlight exposure. You will learn how to pick the best solar-energy-system-location that will maximize solar energy output by yielding high irradiance.
Why Choosing The Location Is Important
The three things that matter most when opening a business are location, location, location. The same is true when you are deciding to choose the solar energy system installation location. It has the potential to make or break your solar profitability. If you make the mistake of placing your solar energy system where the solar irradiance is low, then your solar energy system won’t generate enough electricity. Ultimately, your solar investment won’t be profitable. In layman’s term, solar irradiance can be described as a measure of produced solar power due to the radiation from the intensity and longevity of the sunshine. The higher the solar irradiance for your system location, the better guarantee you have in making a profit.
There are four simple things you will need to consider when choosing a solar energy system installation location. The 4 considerations are as follows:
Clear Line-of-Sight To The Sun
Why is having a clear line-of-sight to the sun is important? Your solar energy system converts energy from the sun to usable electricity. The more energy solar panels receive from the sun, the more it can convert to energy. Choose a location for your solar energy system where the sun shines the brightest and longest, while also having a clear line of sight.
Facing of The Solar Panels
Why is the facing of the solar panels important? If you are in the northern hemisphere, solar panels should face true south. On the other hand, if you are in the southern hemisphere, solar panels should face true north. How do you figure out true south or north? Very simple! Stick a pole in the middle of your backyard and wait for the sun to move right above your head. Watch the shadow of the pole – the shadow should be facing true north or south depending on your hemisphere. If you are in the southern hemisphere, the pole shadow will point true north. If you are in the northern hemisphere, the pole shadow will point to true south.
Solar Panel Orientation
How will the orientation of the solar panels impact my solar investment profitability? Usually, the solar panels are fixed and not adjusted throughout the year. For the fixed orientation solar energy system, it is important to orient the solar panels for maximum direct sunlight. This sunlight needs to be for the maximum time as well. Head over to solar energy calculator and enter your solar installation address for an explanation of the process. The website will calculate the orientation for you and you are done!
Shading
The last thing you need to check before deciding on the solar energy system installation location is the shading. It is another very important factor in making or breaking your solar profitability. It is a visual inspection to ensure your solar panels have a direct line of sight to the sun without any interference. During the sunlight hours, there should not be any objects shadowing the solar panels. There should be absolutely no objects casting shadows on the solar panels. This needs to be taken care of before the installation.
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