Which Way To Point Solar Panels

But a new study based on homes in austin texas has raised questions about which way our solar panels need to be facing.

Which way to point solar panels.

The direction solar panels should face is true south a k a. 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. It is at this location that your panels will receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day. The pull or magnetic declination will vary in direction and strength depending on your location.

If your roof does not face the right direction then surface mounted panels or pole mounted panels may be your best bet. True south can also be calculated at noon when shadows from vertical objects run north south. The most optimum direction to face your solar panels is somewhere between south and west. This means that your solar panels will be put in a unique direction specifically to maximize energy production between this time range.

To do this you should point your solar panel west. Now a compass tells you magnetic north and south but it does not show you true north and south. 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. However there is a difference between magnetic south and true south that must be considered.

To correct the compass reading your solar installer will calculate the magnetic declination of your site. 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. Generally it s common knowledge in the solar industry that these south facing panels should be tilted between a 30 and 40 degree angle. This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere.

When you point your solar panels west you are not maximizing the total amount of energy that is produced. For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south. There is a difference. Solar south or geographic south.

What you are doing is optimizing your energy production for maximum savings with your utility company. Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day.