Which Way To Point Solar Panels

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.

Which way to point solar panels.

Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day. However there is a difference between magnetic south and true south that must be considered. Generally it s common knowledge in the solar industry that these south facing panels should be tilted between a 30 and 40 degree angle. 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.

This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere. The most optimum direction to face your solar panels is somewhere between south and west. Solar south or geographic south. There is a difference.

Now a compass tells you magnetic north and south but it does not show you true north and south. If your roof does not face the right direction then surface mounted panels or pole mounted panels may be your best bet. The pull or magnetic declination will vary in direction and strength depending on your location. 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.

For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south. When you point your solar panels west you are not maximizing the total amount of energy that is produced. The direction solar panels should face is true south a k a. This means that your solar panels will be put in a unique direction specifically to maximize energy production between this time range.

To correct the compass reading your solar installer will calculate the magnetic declination of your site. True south can also be calculated at noon when shadows from vertical objects run north south. To do this you should point your solar panel west. It is at this location that your panels will receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day.

This angle varies and is just about equal to the latitude of your home how far north you are in relation to the equator. But a new study based on homes in austin texas has raised questions about which way our solar panels need to be facing.