The location of a solar panel is very important to its output. Where is the best place to install solar panels? If you want to install solar panels in your home, you can consider whether to install them on the roof or on the ground.
Which orientation is best for installing solar panels?
Before installing a solar panel, the most important thing to know is which direction the panel is facing.
Northern Hemisphere: Locations located in this region require the installation of solar panels facing south.
Southern Hemisphere: Locations located in these areas should have solar panels facing north for better performance.
Where to install solar panels?
Install solar panels on the roof
south-facing roofs
Typically, solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, though other roofs may be suitable too. You should also consider the age of your roof and how long until it will need replacement.
When installing solar panels, maximum exposure to sunlight is the goal. Therefore, roof installation is more popular. It’s well-positioned to provide more sunlight exposure, which in turn guarantees more yields.
Install solar panels on the ground
If your roof constrains your solar panels and cannot handle the extra weight, then ground mounted solar panels are the best solution for you. Remember that temperature affects the efficiency of solar panels. When they are well ventilated, the efficiency of the panels won’t suffer too much.
Ground-mounted systems provide better ventilation than rooftop solar arrays.
Install solar panels on the wall
If your home does not have a south or north facing roof, you can use south or north facing wall mounted panels. Install it on the wall of your home and orient it to maximize energy output.
On a garage or shed
Installing solar panels on a garage or shed can be a good option when roof space is scarce.
FAQS
Is my home suitable for solar panels?
Solar panels are suitable for all climates, but in some cases, a roof may not be suitable for a solar system due to age or tree cover. If trees near your home create too much shadow on your roof, shingles may not be the most ideal choice. The size, shape and slope of your roof are also important factors to consider. Typically, solar panels work best on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, but other roofs may be suitable. You should also consider the age of your roof and when it will need to be replaced.
If a solar professional determines that your roof is not suitable for solar energy, or you do not own your home, you may still benefit from solar energy. Community solar allows multiple people to benefit from a single shared solar array that can be installed on or off-site. The costs associated with purchasing and installing a solar system are shared among all participants, who are able to purchase a shared system at a level that best suits their budget.
What is net metering and how does it affect my solar installation?
Net metering is an arrangement between a solar system owner and a utility company in which the system owner is compensated for any solar power exported to the grid. The name comes from the 1990s, when electricity meters simply turned backwards when delivering power, but today it’s rarely that simple. Whether your solar system qualifies for net metering payments depends on the policies and practices of your state and your electric company. Your local electric company will be a good place to get net metering information for your service area. When researching net metering policies and practices for your service area, there are some basic issues to consider, such as availability in your service area, qualifying system size and customer types, rates, and bill credit design.
Conclusion
In addition to these locations, pergola, carport, gazebo or solarium can be built to house the solar panels. These buildings receive a lot of sunlight, which not only produces solar energy, but also makes the house more beautiful.
