Category: Doart

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. 

Find 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. 

Additional 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.

Solar panels are a great investment for clean and efficient energy, but their performance can be affected by shading. Even small shadows, whether from trees, buildings, or debris, can reduce their efficiency and power output. Preventing shading is crucial to ensuring your solar panels generate maximum energy throughout the day.

In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to optimize your solar panels by minimizing shading. Let’s dive into how you can keep your panels shadow-free!

Understanding the Relationship Between Solar Panel Efficiency & Shading

Let’s first understand what a solar panel’s efficiency rating means. It refers to the amount of sunlight that falls on solar panels and is converted into usable energy. For instance, when we say that a panel’s efficiency is 20%, it means that out of all the sunlight that will fall on a solar panel, 20% of it will be converted into usable energy. 

Now, anything that will affect the sunlight reaching the solar panels will ultimately have an effect on the solar panel’s efficiency. There are different factors that affect solar panel performance, such as the quality of solar panels, the type of solar cells used, and the technology used in solar panels. However, besides that, some external factors also affect the efficiency of solar panels, in which shading is also one of the major factors.

What is shading? Understand the term in detail.

As the name suggests, shading is basically when there is some shade on your solar panels because of some obstruction that could include a tree, dust, debris, poles, buildings, sand, ice, and snow. These obstructions can prevent solar panels from receiving direct sunlight, ultimately affecting the efficiency of the panel.

Most people don’t put so much focus on this aspect, but shading can actually affect your solar panel’s performance and drastically reduce the efficiency of your overall system. Therefore, it is very important that you make sure that your solar system is not a victim of shading and is providing low efficiency because of that. Whether you have already installed a solar system or you are going to get one for your property, it is important that you understand how to prevent or limit shading on your solar panels so you can enjoy maximum efficiency from your solar panels and lower your electricity bills. 

Top Strategies to Prevent Shading on Solar Panels

Here are some of the most effective strategies to prevent shading on your solar panels and enjoy maximum efficiency.

1- Conduct a site analysis before installation.

Before taking any other preventive measures, the first thing you need to make sure of is to choose an ideal location for solar panel installation. For proper working of your solar panels, an ideal location would be the one where your solar panels receive direct sunlight for a longer duration and the one that is not shaded by any obstruction. If shading from nearby trees or structures is unavoidable, consider alternative locations such as rooftops, carports, or ground-mounted systems with adjustable angles.

2- Stringing Arrangements

You need to ensure there are no shaded modules in a string. When solar panels are installed, they are connected in series to form strings. If any module in that string is shaded, it will reduce the power output of the entire string because, in a series connection, the current flow is determined by the weakest module. When one panel receives less sunlight due to shading, it limits the current for all other panels in the string, significantly lowering overall energy production. Therefore, when getting solar panels installed, make sure to check with your solar installer to ensure there is no potential source of shading that can cause shading on your panels. 

3- Tilt Panels in Right Angle

It is also necessary to ensure your panels are tilted in the right direction where they will get most of the sunlight. For instance, in winters a steeper tilt captures more sunlight with the lower sun, in summers a flatter tilt optimizes energy production with the higher sun, and a balanced tilt ensures consistent performance across all seasons.

4- Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

Dust, debris, leaves, or snow can create shading on your panels and decrease their efficiency. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to keep your panels free from any obstructions. Clean your panels periodically using water and a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris. In snowy regions, ensure snow is cleared off promptly to maximize energy output during winter months. These preventive measures will ensure your solar panels keep getting maximum sunlight and provide high efficiency. 

5- Tree Trimming and Landscaping

Overgrown trees can be a significant source of shading for solar panels. Regularly trim trees or branches near your installation to prevent shadows from falling on the panels. If you’re planning landscaping for your property, consider the growth patterns of trees and plants to ensure they won’t block sunlight in the future. Opt for shorter shrubs or trees with minimal shading impact near your solar panels.

Final Words!

Preventing shading is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to optimize the performance of your solar panels. By understanding the causes of shading and implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your solar energy system delivers maximum output. Whether you’re planning a new installation or maintaining an existing system, taking proactive steps to prevent shading will allow you to harness clean and efficient solar energy for years to come. Enjoy uninterrupted energy and save on your utility bills by keeping your solar panels shadow-free.