Are you worried that your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, and that if you have solar panels installed, they won’t be exposed to enough sun to generate a constant supply of electricity?
A common concern among homeowners considering making the switch to solar power, knowing how much sunlight is needed for the effective generation of solar energy along with other factors that may impact the production capacity of the panels, are good things to know before deciding whether to go ahead with a solar installation.
So let’s take a closer look:
Is direct sunlight needed for solar panels to be effective?
While solar panels are designed to be at their most efficient and generate the most power when exposed to direct sunlight, how they function isn’t dependent on sunlight alone.
Did you know that solar panels are capable of producing electricity even when conditions outside may be overcast and cloudy? Solar panels can utilize sunlight that’s both direct and indirect by employing the photovoltaic effect, and while these scenarios may cause solar production to be somewhat reduced, the panels are still perfectly capable of providing an energy output of value.
What about performance in areas that are shaded?
Solar panels are still perfectly capable of functioning well while shaded from nearby trees or neighboring buildings, although as you might expect, output may be reduced as a result.
Advancements in technology have made solar panels much more resilient than they used to be under such conditions, and thanks to micro-inverters and half-cut cells, they can perform well even when not receiving full, direct sunlight.
How might a roof affect the efficiency of solar panels?
There are a number of factors that contribute towards the suitability of a roof for high-performing solar panels, and it’s important that homeowners don’t underestimate this. From the slope of the roof, to its dimensions and azimuth (we’ll talk more about this below), much more is involved than just sunlight hitting a roof.
Roof azimuth and slope explained
In its simplest terms, a roofs’ azimuth is its orientation in relation to the North, and this is vital in terms of collecting solar energy. An azimuth angle that’s wrong, has the capacity to reduce a solar panel arrays energy output by a not-insignificant 65%.
The way in which a roof slopes or tilts is also important when it comes to energy output, and in terms of which type of roof captures the most sunlight over a year, a south-facing one will always fare better than a steeper one, or one that is oriented differently. This also applies to solar panel systems that are ground-mounted.
What to consider in terms of size and capacity
Solar panels are typically manufactured in sizes of 3 feet by 5 feet, and their power ratings can range from 250 W to more than 320 W, depending on who they are manufactured by and their size. A roofs’ dimensions will dictate how many solar panels can be accommodated.
How much energy output a solar system can produce, depends on the power of the panels combined and the amount of sunlight they receive, and is measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh.
How to calculate your solar energy needs
You must firstly consider how much electricity you typically use on an annual basis to determine what size your solar panel array should be, and assessing the potential of your roof for generating solar energy, must be done as accurately as possible. When you work with an experienced solar installer, they will help you assess your household’s energy needs along with the specifications of your roof, to help ensure that your solar panel system performs at its best all year-round; giving you maximum savings on your energy bills.
If you’d like to know more about your roof’s solar energy generating capacity, consult with a local solar installer, who will likely give you a non-obligatory assessment and initial consultation.
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