With the increased concern for environmental sustainability, more people are looking to install solar panels in their homes or businesses. However, one crucial factor many overlook is finding the best location for solar panels. At Go Green Solar Group, we understand the importance of proper location when installing solar panels, which is why we’re here to help.
So, in this blog, our experts will provide a comprehensive guide on what to consider to determine the best location to ensure you get the most out of your solar panels.
Sunlight and Solar Panels: Understanding the Role of Solar Irradiation
When it comes to solar panels, solar irradiation stands as the most important factor. Simply put, solar irradiation is the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth and facilitates the generation of solar power.
Adequate sunlight exposure is key to maximising the output of your solar panel system. This brings us to the important question: How much sunlight is optimal for solar panels? The simple answer is “as much as possible.” However, a more practical answer is six hours a day on average, with at least four hours of continuous exposure.
Some common factors that affect solar irradiation include the angle of incidence, path length, and atmospheric conditions. A shallow angle of incidence reduces the amount of sunlight absorbed, leading to decreased energy production. Long path lengths are also a hindrance as they reduce the intensity of solar irradiation. Factors like wind, cloud cover, and pollution can also significantly affect solar irradiation.
Therefore, to get maximum performance out of your solar panels, ensure they are positioned to receive optimal sunlight exposure.
Maximising Solar Panel Efficiency with Orientation and Tilt
Another important factor in determining the best location for solar panels is the orientation and tilt angle. The ideal orientation of your solar panel system is facing south in the northern hemisphere and vice versa if you are in the southern hemisphere, as this position ensures the solar panels are precisely angled to maximise energy absorption.
The tilt angle is just as essential, with its effect on energy absorption almost equal to that of orientation. Solar panels are optimally designed to a tilt angle of 30 degrees, but the ideal tilt angle depends on your location, as the optimal tilt angle varies based on your position in the hemisphere. In North West England, our optimal tilt angle is around 30-40 degrees, but this can be altered to 20 in summer and raised to 50 in winter for maximum irradiation.
Roof Analysis Assessing Solar Suitability
If you’re looking to install solar panels on your roof, you need a thorough roof analysis to determine the solar panel’s suitability. This is because roof orientation plays an important role in solar panel placement. A clear south-facing roof has optimal sunlight exposure; however, some shading can occur depending on your precise location and surrounding objects.
Structural integrity is an essential element that should also not be overlooked. Installing solar panels on a structurally unsound roof can be detrimental to your property and cause damage or injury. Therefore, consult a professional to ensure that your roof structure can support the weight and dimensions of the solar panels.
As professional solar PV panel installers, we offer a free, no-obligation feasibility study to check your suitability for our systems as well as a technical survey to determine roof space. This ensures that you get the best possible solution for your roof.
Geographic Considerations
The best location significantly differs based on whether you live in an urban or rural area. In an urban setting, the most common challenge is the limited space often available to install solar panels on homes, whereas, in rural areas, there is ample space. Rural areas receive more sunlight than urban areas, but this doesn’t mean installing panels in an urban area is impossible. Instead, achieving optimal solar panel exposure in an urban setting requires a more creative approach.
At Go Green Solar Group, we work across North West England and Lancashire in both rural and urban locations. The process of installing our solar panels in Blackpool compared to a more rural area would differ, which is why our experts are able to assess the environment and offer a suitable solution bespoke to each project. Our team also understands that determining the best location for solar panels ensures optimal energy output, which is crucial for getting the most out of your solar panels.
If you’re considering installing solar panels on your residential property business premises, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to receive professional guidance. With over 15 years of experience, our solar panel installers can help you get started on the path to sustainable energy.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today to discover what we can do for you.