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Maximizing the efficiency of solar panels must start with proper placement. Whether you’re considering taking advantage of residential solar panel installation services or commercial solar panel installation services, knowing the ideal direction of your solar panels is very important to ensure maximum energy output and investment return. Now, let’s find out the most critical factors that affect the placement of solar panels. Our guide will help you understand the ideal orientation as well as highlight the impact of shading, ensuring you get the most out of your solar installation services.
Ideal Direction for Solar Panels
The most efficient solar panel installation services usually advise that the panel should be installed facing the south for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day. A south-facing roof offers the best energy output because it captures the rays of the sun during the peak hours of the day. North-facing roofs are the least suitable for the placement of solar panels as it gets the least exposure to sunlight. Panels on these roofs need to be angled sharply, approximately 60 degrees, to capture indirect or reflected sunlight. However, the total energy output still remains low if solar panels are installed in the north direction.
Optimal Angles for Solar Panels
Although the direction of solar panels is straightforward, the angle at which they are positioned is not that simple. The position of the sun is different in summer and winter and therefore the angle at which the panels are placed has to be altered to get the most energy. For instance, for 35 degree latitude, it is recommended to have your panels at the same angle so as to ensure that energy is well produced throughout the year. This orientation makes it possible for panels to capture more light when the sun is overhead.
Nevertheless, the owners of the houses and businesses may experience that their solar power systems are not as effective in the winter when the sun is not as high in the sky. It is normal to set the angle to somewhere in between the latitude and latitude plus 15 degrees to encourage energy production all year round. However, the efficiency of the energy production is still high and can be effective within the 30 to 45 degree angle from your latitude, making solar installations work well in most locations.
Direction vs. Angle: What’s More Crucial?
Although the angle of the solar panels plays a role in the efficiency of the solar installation, the direction of the panels is the most important. A south-facing roof is the most effective as far as energy production is concerned, but even other orientations can bring some advantages. It is recommended that a professional evaluation be made in order to determine whether your property is suitable for solar panels.
Roof Design Considerations
Roof design is an important factor that influences the installation process in one way or the other. The standard is that the slope of the roof should be between 30 to 40 degrees which is suitable for most of the solar power systems. Nonetheless, a steeper or shallower roof may need specific mounting systems to place the panels properly.
For the properties with the flat roofs, the mounting system tilts the panels upwards to avoid shading and enhance energy yield. At Solaroofny, this is not an issue since we offer professional roofing services as well as roof installation services in Long Island and can tailor the mounting system to meet the property requirements.
Exploring Ground Mounts
If there is not enough space on the roof or if you need an alternate solution, then ground mounting is the perfect option. These freestanding solar panels can be placed in yards or gardens, thus, the orientation and the angle can be chosen conveniently. Ground mounted systems are particularly effective when the roof area is small or unsuitably located.
Nevertheless, one has to take into account the possibility of shading from the buildings or trees in the vicinity and their influence on the energy production. Also, ground mounts are more exposed to factors such as wind, which requires the frame and the mount structure to be robust. This may increase the cost of the solar panel installation services but the ground mount is a good way of installing an efficient solar panel system if you have the necessary space.
Selecting the Right Solar Panels
The efficiency of the panels affect the number of panels to be installed and the area that it will occupy. More efficient panels allow for smaller installations while maintaining the same energy output. The type of panel that you should use will depend on the amount of money that you are willing to spend, the space that you have and the energy that you want to achieve.
Polycrystalline panels are made from silicon fragments and are cheaper but less efficient, converting 13-18% of sunlight to electricity. The monocrystalline panels consist of a single silicon crystal and are more expensive but are more efficient than the other and can convert up to 15-24% of sunlight.
Conclusion
Optimizing where your solar panels are installed is an effective way to increase energy production and ensure you get the maximum benefits from a solar power system. You can improve your solar system’s efficiency by understanding things like roof orientation, shading, and local climatic conditions.
Looking for affordable solar services in Long Island? Contact Solaroofny for expert solar panel installation services. Our professionals will assess your property and suggest customized solutions, ensuring seamless service at every step during installation. Let’s work together to make your home or business self-sufficient when it comes to energy.
