When setting up a solar system, we usually focus on buying the best panels and inverters and spend a lot of money on installation. But sometimes, the system doesn’t perform as well as we expect, and it’s hard to figure out why. One simple solution is to adjust the direction and angle of solar panel.
These small changes can make a big difference in how much energy your system produces. In this article, we’ll explain how you can improve your solar panels’ performance by finding the right angle and making seasonal adjustments.
Understanding the Tilt Angle of Solar Panel
A tilt angle of your solar panels is basically how much you tilt the solar panels towards the sun. This angle is important because the more your solar panels capture the sunlight, the higher their output will be.
You need to find the right angle to tilt your solar panels because tilting them too much or not tilting them in the right direction will mean that your solar panels won’t receive enough sunlight.
Source: SRNE SolarFind the best direction for your solar panels
As we know, solar panels need maximum sunlight for high efficiency, so if you want to ensure high performance from your system, you will need to orient your panels in the direction of the sun. Your solar panels will perform the best when they are facing towards the equator, which means in the Northern Hemisphere, the panels should be facing the south, and in the Southern Hemisphere, the panels should be facing the north.
By making this small adjustment, you can ensure that your solar panels provide maximum output and high efficiency.
Adjust Angle of Solar Panel Seasonally
It is important to note that once you have adjusted your solar panels, it doesn’t mean they will keep on receiving maximum sunlight; rather, the sun’s path in the sky changes with the seasons. So, you will also need to readjust your solar panels’ direction as the season changes.
To give you a quick overview, here is how the panels should be adjusted for optimal performance in every season.
In winter, the sun is lower in the sky, so keeping a steeper tilt will ensure that your solar panels capture more sunlight. In summers, the sun is higher in the sky, so in this condition, adjusting a shallower tilt of solar panels will help them capture more sunlight. For year-round efficiency, your panels will need to have a balanced tilt so they can deliver consistent high performance.
Source: JSU Solutions GroupAdditional tips to ensure high performance of solar panels
Here are some additional tips that will help you keep your solar panels performing the best. By incorporating these few things, you can ensure that there is no external factor stopping your solar panels from providing high output.
1. Avoid Obstructions
Make sure nothing is covering your solar panels in a way that it can become an obstruction between your solar panels and the sun. If one part of your solar panel is facing shading, there are chances it can affect the overall performance of other panels as well. You need to ensure there are no trees or buildings casting a shadow over your solar panels. By removing these obstructions, you can drastically improve the performance of your solar panels.
2. Check with local regulations
As we mentioned above, you will need to keep adjusting your solar panels direction to ensure your solar panels receive maximum sunlight throughout the year in order to provide high efficiency. But in some areas there are proper regulations and guidelines regarding the directions of solar panels on roofs. So, make sure to check with your local authorities for any such limitations or rules.
3. Roof Structure
What should be the right angle of your solar panels also depends on your property’s roof’s structure. Both the structure and the design of the roof affect the choice of the right tilt angle of your solar panels. For example, if the roof of your house is already steep, then you would need to adjust the solar panels’ angle accordingly. It is better to consult with your professional installer so he can better guide you about your panels’ angle and tilt.
Summing it Up!
So, here you have a comprehensive guide on how you need to adjust your solar panels to ensure they receive maximum sunlight and provide high output. Make sure to keep these factors in mind and adjust your solar panels in the right direction seasonally so you can continue enjoying maximum yield from your solar system.