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How to Choose the Best Location and Orientation for Solar Panels

How to Choose the Best Location and Orientation for Solar Panels

Solar panels are a terrific technique to gather endless energy from the sun without generating any pollution. However, to make the most of solar panels, users need to learn about where and how to place the panels in a way so that they produce the maximum possible energy when the sun is shining.

How to Choose the Best Location and Orientation for Solar Panels

Solar panels are a terrific technique to gather endless energy from the sun without generating any pollution. However, to make the most of solar panels, users need to learn about where and how to place the panels in a way so that they produce the maximum possible energy when the sun is shining.

The main difficulty in finding the best solar panel roof orientation is that the sun is always moving while the panels are stationary. As you continue on, you'll learn how to address this problem and gain important insights into the best solar panel orientation.

If you are wondering why this information would be of interest to you, it arms you with information and a feeling of  security with the installation that takes part. 

Various Solar Panel Orientations

The angle at which solar panels must be installed is dictated by the sun's location in the sky, which is determined using two types of angles: azimuth and zenith. Once the sun’s location is known, the panels are set perpendicular to it so that they may absorb maximum sunlight.

panel angle installation

Recognizing Azimuth and Zenith

To determine the best solar panel orientation, you should be aware of:

Azimuth Direction

This is the compass angle of the sun as it moves from east to west in the sky. Notably, the solar noon occurs when the azimuth angle is zero. The sun is directly north in the southern hemisphere and directly south in the northern hemisphere at this moment.

The azimuth angle functions similarly to a compass direction, with North = 0° and South = 180°.

The optimal roof angle for solar panels is determined by latitude and time of year.

Zenith Direction

The zenith angle is defined as the angle formed by the sun and the vertical.

The angle at which the sun appears to us changes throughout the day, with the sun reaching its highest elevation about midday.

Tilt and Orientation of Solar Panels

To generate the most electricity possible from solar panels, position them at an angle that guarantees they always point directly at the sun. In addition, for the optimal house direction for solar panels, use a compass to turn them towards the earth equator.

Aside from that, the panel must be oriented in such a way that shade from nearby structures does not fall on it. If the light reaching a panel is hindered by a structure, wall, or another solar panel, the effectiveness of your solar system will suffer.

The azimuth and zenith angles may both be found on a readymade solar chart and used to properly orient the solar panel for best efficiency.

When it comes to the optimal solar panel roof orientation, it is advised that the PV panels be put at an angle perpendicular to the sun. For example, because the sun is low in the northern hemisphere during the winter, it is fair to install the panels at a sharp angle of 45 degrees. Similarly, when the sun is high in the sky during the summer, the angle should be kept at 10 degrees, and the rest of the time, the panel should be kept at an angle regardless of latitude.

Automatically Assuring Optimal Solar Panel Position

A solar tracker is an expensive alternative for ensuring maximum solar panel efficiency at all times of day with optimal solar panel orientation. However, with the correct solar tracker, you can determine the location of the sun at all times and adjust your solar panels accordingly, even accounting for seasonal variations.

It's worth mentioning that, thanks to a motor-driven mount, the solar tracker can follow the sun's rotational path all year. A single bearing mount that allows you to manually orient the panel appropriately throughout the day is a cost-effective solution.

By utilizing a tracker to determine the ideal direction for solar panels on the roof, you may significantly enhance the panels' sunshine exposure, even by up to 30%.

Conclusion

To get the most out of your solar panels, you must first determine the ideal direction and angle for the solar panel. You can use solar trackers to ensure that the PV cells produce the most energy possible for the longest length of time when the sun is up.

You can always contact us for more experienced advice on the optimum direction for solar panels.