Are you thinking about installing solar panels on your home? Perhaps you have a business where you would like to power your entire facility through a solar panel array. Modern technology has improved to the point, specifically in the production of photovoltaic cells, to produce more than enough electricity for homes and businesses using solar panels. However, it’s important to consider the location of the solar panels that will be used to convert sunlight into stored electricity. Here is an overview of the best places to position your solar panels to get the best results from a single solar panel or an entire solar array.
Always Face South
The most important decision that you can make when installing any type of solar technology is to face the panels to the South if you are in the northern hemisphere. This is because the sun rises in the east, and due to the tilt of the earth, it will travel across the sky in the South before setting in the east. This will give you maximum exposure to the sun throughout the day. The lower your latitude, the longer, and more consistent the solar energy generation will be.
Install Solar Panels In Areas Free Of Obstructions
When installing solar panels, consider what potential obstructions could get in the way of the panels receiving direct sunlight.
For example, if you are positioning these on the ground, throughout the spring, summer, and part of the fall, deciduous trees will produce leaves that could block your sunlight. Also consider positioning your solar panels as high as possible. There is always the possibility that a ground-based installation could be obstructed in some way by your neighbors. By placing the solar panels on the roof of your home or building, you are improving your chances of consistent maximum exposure to the sun.
The Best Geographic Location For Solar Panels
Assuming you are a country like the United States and in the northern hemisphere, there are particular examples of where your solar panels should be installed that can help you make decisions. An unobstructed southbound view will be the easiest to achieve if you are in an area such as Nevada, which is primarily desert terrain. On the other hand, it might be difficult to achieve that unobstructed view if you live in the mountains of Colorado, an area known for high mountain peaks and tall trees. As long as you can find an area on your property that faces south, without trees or mountains you will increase the amount of electricity that you can produce substantially regardless of the terrain.
Should You Install Solar Panels On Your Roof Or Walls?
The answer to this question depends upon several factors. For example, if you have a large roof, with a large amounts of surface area, the inclination of the roof will be the perfect angle if you have a southbound slope. On the other hand, if you have been building that is flat, it might be more appropriate to install the solar panels at an angle on your walls. The key is to always have that southbound view, with an angle that allows the solar panels to face upwards toward the sun. If that can be achieved, and if you are using monocrystalline solar panels, you will produce more than enough electricity for your business or home.
Installing solar panels is a very important part of the decision-making process when attempting to produce electricity from the sun. Although they are more costly, monocrystalline solar panels are extremely efficient. You should also have a system with highly efficient batteries and a way to sell the excess electricity to local utility companies. At the very least, you need to position your solar panels as high as possible. They should have an unobstructed southbound view. All of these factors will contribute to making a very wise investment into a solar panel system, or a solar array, that will create electricity for you.