Which Way To Point Solar Panels

For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south.

Which way to point solar panels.

This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere. Now a compass tells you magnetic north and south but it does not show you true north and south. This means that your solar panels will be put in a unique direction specifically to maximize energy production between this time range. The rule is that if you live in the southern hemisphere you should point your panels true north and if you live in the northern hemisphere you should point them true south.

In the northern hemisphere the general rule for solar panel placement is solar panels should face true south and in the southern true north. To do this you should point your solar panel west. If your roof does not face the right direction then surface mounted panels or pole mounted panels may be your best bet. This angle varies and is just about equal to the latitude of your home how far north you are in relation to the equator.

Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day. The study concluded that the west facing panels were better at reducing peak loads in areas such as austin where air conditioning use is a strong driving factor in energy use during peak times typically 3 p. There is a difference. The direction solar panels should face is true south a k a.

The pull or magnetic declination will vary in direction and strength depending on your location. When you point your solar panels west you are not maximizing the total amount of energy that is produced. The pecan street research institute released results of a study that indicated homeowners could find significant benefits by pointing their solar panels to the west. True south can also be calculated at noon when shadows from vertical objects run north south.

It is at this location that your panels will receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day. However there is a difference between magnetic south and true south that must be considered. What you are doing is optimizing your energy production for maximum savings with your utility company. While the angle of your solar panels is important a more important factor in your energy production is going to be the direction your panels face.

Solar south or geographic south. To correct the compass reading your solar installer will calculate the magnetic declination of your site.