Optimizing solar system facing and tilt increase yield
Crystalline silicon solar PV panels produce the most power when they are pointed directly at the sun. In Northern Hemisphere, solar modules should face south for maximum electricity
production. The orientation of the panels will often have a greater effect on annual energy production than the angle they are tilted at.
Solar mounting system can help with the tilt and facing direction.
Some tariff helps east-west-facing systems generating an optimal return on investment, especially if the property utilizing solar feed-in tariffs has low electricity usage in the middle of the day.
Solar guidelines for residential PV recommend a minimum tilt of 10° to ensure self-cleaning by rainfall; and for grid-connected PV systems, recommend positioning panels at the angle of latitude to maximize the amount of energy produced annually.
The best return on investment will be generated for the solar project owner if the system is designed based on the electricity usage pattern of the property on which the project is installed.
If homes have a roof pitch of 20 – 30°, not ideal in local latitude, a mounting frame can correct the orientation and elevation of panels. On flat-roof buildings (particularly commercial installations), panel arrays are usually installed on racks at an angle of 15–30°. Some companies typically only install at 15°; this allows for more modules to be placed on a roof, with less wind loads, lower cost, and the same yield. Yield is surprisingly insensitive to inclination.
The installation site, roof material, roof angle, the size and quantity of solar panels and the number of module rows used will determine the dimensions, quantity and layout of framing components required for installation.
Keep in mind that a lower tilt can allow you to fit more panels on the same roof, and also that tilts generate shadows – make sure there’s sufficient space between the rows in a solar installation.
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