People are making more efforts toward sustainability. And one way you can live more sustainably is by utilising solar energy. But to make the most out of your solar panels, it’s important to consider their installation. In particular, you have to think about its placement.
Why Does the Placement of Your Solar Panels Matter?
Solar panel placement greatly affects how much power your panels produce. More specifically, it can affect the overall efficiency of your solar panels. But how can solar panel placement impact your panels’ power?
This is because the angle of your panels’ tilt affects what percentage of the sunlight it gets.
There are two types of solar panels: fixed and adjustable. Fixed panels are fixed at their positions. Adjustable panels are manually adjusted. But regardless of which type you have, the placement of your solar panels will impact its efficiency.
What Is the Right Way to Position Your Solar Panels
If you have adjustable panels, you must manually adjust how they position. In case you have fixed panels, your panels will be set at a specific angle.
The ideal solar panel angle is between 30 and 60 degrees. Thirty degrees is when your panels are facing directly towards the sun. Sixty degrees is when your panels are facing away from the sun.
You have to keep your panels on this angle because when the sun moves across the sky, your panels will catch it for longer. This will maximise the amount of sunlight that your solar panels can catch throughout the day.
If your panels are positioned at 0 degrees, then they will only catch the sunlight for an hour. If your panels are positioned at 90 degrees, then they will only catch the sunlight for 15 minutes.
But don’t worry if your panels are positioned off this angle by a few degrees. This isn’t going to have much of an impact.
Which Direction Should Your Solar Panels Be Facing?
There’s another aspect to consider when you’re positioning your solar panels. You also have to think about where your solar panels are facing.
Your solar panels should face south. This is because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Therefore, the sun will be at its highest peak in the south.
When you face the panels south, the sun will be able to hit them throughout the day. This will mean that your panels will be able to catch the most sunlight. This means that your panels will produce more solar power.
Solar Panel Placement Based on Your Roof
You also have to think about the way your roof is designed. This is because the slope of your roof can significantly impact your solar panel placement.
When you have a flat roof, you can put your solar panels in the same position we mentioned above. If you have a pitched roof, you must adjust your solar panel’s placement.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to maximise your solar panels’ productivity, you need to consider your solar panel positioning. One of the most important things to consider is getting the angle of your panels just right. Remember, it should be between 30 and 60 degrees. It would be best if you also positioned your solar panels southward. This will ensure that your panels get the most sunlight throughout the day.
Make the most of your solar panels with the help of Design Electrical. We are an electrical contractor that provides solar installations in Belfast. All of our solar installations are completed by an NICEIC registered electrician. Get in touch with us today!