Angles of the Sun & Its Effects on Solar Power
Solar panels use the sun's rays to produce electricity. The angle of the sun affects how much radiation hits the solar panels and how effective they are in electricity production.
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How They Work
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Solar photovoltaic panels generate an electric charge when sunlight hits the silicon in the panels. They are more effective the longer they are exposed to the sun and the more intense the radiation, which is affected by the angle of the sun.
Considerations
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The angles of the sun vary with the seasons, so to optimize the solar radiation, solar panels can move gradually to follow the sun during the year. Solar power plants sometimes use solar panels that track the sun.
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Practical Implications
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Most residential or small commercial solar power users cannot afford systems that follow the sun, so instead they angle the solar panels to maximize the intensity and length of time that they receive the sun's rays. In the northern hemisphere, they face solar south, and in the southern hemisphere they face solar north (which is slightly different from compass directions).
Additional Considerations
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The angle of the sun varies with latitude, so solar panels are tilted to maximize their impact. The angle of the solar panels is usually set at the latitude plus or minus 15 degrees.
Misconceptions
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Because solar panels are tilted to maximize the solar radiation, they can be operated in most climates, and some work better in colder climates. They are used throughout the world.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Dominic Alves
