How to Aim Solar Panels
Aim solar panels where they will receive the most sunlight. As a basic rule, solar panels should face south if located in the northern hemisphere, and face north if located in the southern hemisphere. However, there are helpful techniques to help you get the most out of your solar panels. The website Free Solar Pro recommends adjusting the panels tilt roughly four times a year, when the solar seasons change. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stick, 4-inch
- White paper
- Sticky tape or glue
- Centimeter ruler
- Scientific calculator
Instructions
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Shadow Method
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1
Wait for noon on a sunny day.
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2
Hold the stick up at different angles until it doesn't create a shadow.
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3
Point the solar panels on that angle at that time of year.
Calculation Method
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4
Attach the stick to the middle of the paper using tape or glue so that stands perpendicular to the paper.
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5
Place the paper outside so that it lays out flat in the sun.
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6
Every hour or two during the day, mark how far the stick's shadow reaches on the paper.
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7
Find which marking is the shortest distance from the stick and measure it with the centimeter ruler. Label this distance as X.
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8
Find the inverse sin of 10/X with your calculator. The end calculated result is the angle you should aim your solar panels at this particular time of the year.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you don't want to keep re-tilting your panels, keep them aimed in the direction you would use for the winter season. This will ensure the panels collect as much sunlight as they can in the winter, and energy will still be collected during the other seasons.
When installing your solar panels, take into account trees or other obstructions that may get in the way of the sunlight.
Seasons are: winter October 13 to February 27; spring February 27 to April 20; summer April 20 to August 22; autumn August 22 to October 13.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Solar Panels image by alessbonaventura from Fotolia.com
