Categories: Green

How to Ensure Your Home’s Solar Panels Are Positioned For Optimal Sun Exposure

September 22, 2021

There are a lot of things to consider before you install solar panels on your home. Not only do you need to figure out how much power you need, but you will also need to place the panels properly. In order to collect the energy of the sun to power your home, your solar panels must be able to collect as much sunshine as possible.

South-Facing 30-40 Degrees

If your home has a south-facing roof slanted 30-40 degrees, you are in luck; that is the ideal placement for solar panels. In the northern hemisphere, the sun is always slightly to the south, and a 30-40 degree angle optimizes that. In the southern hemisphere, north-facing roofs are ideal, with the same 30-40 degree angle.

Mounting System Work-Arounds

However, not every home in the northern hemisphere has a south-facing roof. In that case, a solar panel company can do some workarounds to maximize your panel’s solar collection. Depending on your roof, a solar panel company can use different mounting systems to optimize your solar production. For example, the panels could be mounted on brackets that angle them directly south at the correct angle. You can ask Solar Sandy or another solar panel company for advice on the best place to mount your new panels.

Trees

 A solar system requires full sun, and cannot reach peak performance if it is in the shade. You need to make sure that trees are not casting shade on your solar panels. Large trees may have to be trimmed back or even cut down. Similarly, nearby tall buildings should not cast shade on your panels. If your home is in the shade of larger buildings, you may need to put the panels elsewhere on your property. Finally, iIf your area has a lot of pigeons, you might also need to put up bird netting to keep your panels clean.

Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

If your south-facing roof does not get enough sunshine, solar panels can be ground-mounted. The advantage to ground-mounted solar panels is that they can be ideally positioned facing south, at the perfect 30-40 degree angle. If you live in a region with heavy snow, ground-mounted solar panels are also easier to keep clear. Finally, a ground-mounted system can be larger than your roof, providing the space for many more panels. Most solar panel companies also offer ground-mounted solar systems.

The downside to a ground-mounted solar system is that your agreement with a homeowner’s association might forbid them. In fact, you should check with your homeowner’s association before installing any solar panels in your home. Roof-mounted solar panels might also be forbidden depending on the community.

Solar has many benefits, including saving money on your energy bills and increasing the resale value of your home. It is certainly worth exploring all of your options, no matter the size or angle of your home’s roof.

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