Thinking about joining the 3.2 million U.S. households with solar panels? You’re making a smart choice. Solar power is a renewable energy source that reduces dependence on fossil fuels, minimizes carbon emissions, and offers cost savings. Before searching “solar installers near me” to get your equipment installed, you’ll want to check out this guide to understand some important aspects of solar panel design.
Optimizing Location, Tilt, and Angle
The first three things to consider with solar panel placement are location, tilt, and angle. Each of these aspects contributes to your panels’ efficient energy capture and overall performance.
Location
Select a spot on your property with maximum year-round sunlight exposure. A south-facing roof is the most optimal spot, but other alternatives exist if this is not available or feasible:
- East or west side of the roof: Mounting panels on racks in these areas allows to to angle them in an appropriate direction.
- South-facing walls: Placing panels on a south-facing wall of your home, shed, or garage can also optimize energy capture.
- Yard: If your roof or south-facing walls aren’t available, you can install the panels in yard areas with high sun exposure.
When choosing this location, you’ll need to account for any shade cast from trees, neighboring homes, or other nearby structures.
Tilt
You’ve seen the recommendation that solar panels should face south, but what is the reason for this? In the Northern Hemisphere, facing the panels south helps them receive direct sunlight throughout most of the day. Locations closer to the equator, such as Tampa, require lesser tilt angles to capture sunlight compared to those in higher latitudes, such as Norfolk, Virginia.
Angle
Your panels’ tilt angle should be the same as your area’s latitude. For instance, solar panels Tampa. Florida should be tilted at 28 degrees from the horizontal. Keep in mind that you can make adjustments during each season to take advantage of shifting sun positions. You can also use automatic trackers to change panel angles without the need for manual adjustment.
Wind Performance Analysis
Surprisingly, wind can improve heat extraction from panels’ surfaces by enhancing heat convection, decreasing their operating temperatures and boosting their productivity. Southerly winds can amplify this effect further. However, it’s essential to choose sturdy panels that can maintain their positioning during strong winds. Regular wind performance analysis is key to ensuring solar panels’ dependability, durability, and consistent energy generation.
Monitoring Solar Panel Performance
You don’t have to watch your new solar panels like a hawk. However, monitoring their condition and performance helps you get the most out of your solar energy installation. You should periodically inspect areas on your property near your panels. Look for obstructions, especially from the south, that may prevent them from receiving the highest possible amount of sunlight.
Most Tampa solar panels automatically also come with 24/7 monitoring systems. Equipped with sensors and communication devices, these systems transmit data to cloud-based apps that let you check on your panels’ status and performance at any time. Your solar panel installation company can walk you through how to use these apps and understand the data they collect.
