Deciding where to install solar panels is crucial in terms of placement relative to sunlight and rate-of-return. Often the best place for panels are rooftops, ideally south-facing in northern climates. When plants study what south orientation officials compared to the east and west, direct sunlight maintains until 20% greater that increases power outcome of cells. 30-45 degrees is a perfect angle of slope because this pitch will obtain the maximal amount of sunlight throughout the period on year. Tilted mounting systems can also be mounted on flat roofs, but they rotate the modules to an optimal angle.
When roof space is scarce or overshadowed by nearby buildings, solar panels may be mounted next to the ground. Ground-mounted installations allow for numerous advantages in terms of orientation and angle to take advantage of sunlight. Ground-mounted systems can be up to 15% more efficient than roof mounted in specific settings, due to optimal positioning for solar cell performance says NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory). They are also easy to clean and maintain, which can thereby prevent the performance from reducing over time.
Solar panels can also be set on carports, pergolas and other structures when roof space is constrained. Solar carports, for example, not only generate electricity but also deliver vehicle shading that lowers in-cabin temperatures by 10-15°F during the summer months per peer-reviewed studies into solar-based shade. It is a double-win that can be attractive to businesses, schools and residential areas seeking to maximize available space.
Where to Install Solar Panels Depends Heavily on Region These are the only places to have realized a return on investment based solely on annual sunlight hours (i.e. California, Arizona,Nevada and probably Texas). Conversely, regions with less sunlight may necessitate larger collection panels or more efficient omnibeneficence collectors to achieve the same level of power output. Even the U.S. Department of Energy tips its cap to consumers in sunnier climes, where a typical solar system could generate as much as 20% more electricity every year than a similar setup up north near Seattle and Philadelphia.
It is important to have solar panels installed in open areas where they are not shaded at all. A panel can drop to 20% FOV (field of vision) due to shading from trees, buildings or other infrastructure. By performing a shading analysis, technicians can determine the right place on an area of property to reduce such instances and maintains energy production throughout each part of the day.