Had solar panels set up on my roof and they face towards the east (ENE, in the Southern Hemisphere). I know nothing about solar panels and little about physics, but I did a little experiment that has me worried. Before midday (10 to 11 am) I am getting around 1050K from the panels. After midday I get (1 to 2pm) around 800K and both with clear sky. This indicates to me that the orientation of my solar panels is poor. Can anyone please explain the science as to why orientation of solar panels matters?
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The output of panels will be the greatest when the sun is directly perpendicular to the panel. Even if they faced due north in your case there would be lower power produced in the morning and afternoon and higher mid day. If it is possible, face your array due north. this will give you the most production. However if the roof is not too steep < 25 degrees the difference in production will only be about 10-15% if the tilt is not optimum for your location. A steeper roof will reduce procuction further as the sun will be at a greater angle from perpendicular earlier.NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional
[URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]
[URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)
[URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL] -
An easy to see the difference in output for different orientations and inclinations is the Sharp energy calculator.
http://sharpusa.cleanpowerestimator.com/sharpusa.htm
Just plug in your zip code and an annual bill amount then play with it.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Comment
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Originally posted by dope View PostCan anyone please explain the science as to why orientation of solar panels matters?
I have a small scale system that powers my yard lights and the panels are ground based, not on a roof which allows me to realign them at the start of each month.
I know your panels are on the roof, but I can tell you that proper alignment is critical, at least on my smaller system.Comment
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Originally posted by Steve View PostProbably the biggest reason is that light travels through twice as much glass at a 45 degree angle than at 90 degreese.
I have a small scale system that powers my yard lights and the panels are ground based, not on a roof which allows me to realign them at the start of each month.
I know your panels are on the roof, but I can tell you that proper alignment is critical, at least on my smaller system.NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional
[URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]
[URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)
[URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]Comment
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= Before midday (10 to 11 am) I am getting around 1050K from the panels. After midday I get (1 to 2pm) around 800K and both with clear sky. This indicates to me that the orientation of my solar panels is poor. Can anyone please explain the science as to why orientation of solar panels matters?
day and measure the output. You could see the difference yourself or you could prove that Im wrong.Last edited by Mike90250; 08-25-2011, 07:31 PM.Comment
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