Here is how you find the best orientation for your Solar Panel
Thanks to the increasing awareness about green energy and affordability, the US is currently home to more than 2 million solar panel installations.
Whether you are aiming to cut down the energy costs or reduce your carbon footprint on planet Earth, solar panel installation is a good idea on many fronts.
Here is a brief guide to let you know what is the most efficient solar panel orientation to gain maximum benefits.
The Best Direction for Sunlight
For those who are here for quick answers, the south is the best direction to harness the maximum energy from solar panel installation in Temecula CA. However, if you are up for some useful information regarding the orientation read along.
Your primary goal is to install panels in such a direction that they receive maximum sunlight intensity for the longest duration of the day. As fixed or non-tracking solar panel systems are more affordable, most homeowners opt for these systems.
The General Rules of Solar Panel Orientation
The general rule for houses built in the northern hemisphere is that solar panels should face true South tilted an angle between 30 and 40 degrees.
For those who don’t know, the true south is a bit different from the south direction you see on your compass.
The former is the direction towards the south pole of the Earth whereas later is Earth’s south magnetic pole.
The panels will receive direct light for most of the parts making them suitable for maximum power generation. If you are living in a location where full net metering is available, you will gain the maximum benefits with this orientation.
The surplus power can be exported to the grid in return for bill credits that give you full retail value.
Installing Battery with Solar Panel
Are you planning to install a battery system with your solar panels? South is still your best bet. As your goal is to produce maximum energy during the day and store the surplus in the batter, South directing panels can serve the purpose well.
You can conveniently use the battery to power your house overnight and during grid outages.
Southwest is the next best option because these panels absorb sunlight longer during the sunsets and produce more electrical energy during peak hours.
What If You Don’t Have A South Facing Roof?
This is not a deal-breaker. Although a south-facing roof is ideal, you can still install and benefit from solar panel installation. You can install more solar panels to compensate for the losses.
Adding a few panels does not significantly increase the overall cost of the project.
If you have got enough yard space, you can install ground-mounted solar panels. They are easy to install and maintain over the space but not a feasible option for people living in smaller spaces.
Wall-mounted solar panels can still help you save a lot of money on energy bills.
Hire The Best Solar Panel Company
Some rooftops might be more difficult to handle than others. It takes a professionally competent and well-equipped solar panel installation company to assess your roof and help you capture the maximum of sunlight.