Why Panel Position Matters

When it comes to harnessing the power of the sun, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is the position and angle of your solar panels. The efficiency of solar panels largely depends on how well they capture sunlight, which can significantly differ based on where and how they’re installed. Let’s dive into the details to help you understand why position is so important and how it affects performance.

Understanding the Sun’s Path

The sun's path changes throughout the year. In the summer, the sun takes a higher arc in the sky, while it travels on a much lower path in the winter. This difference can be visualised through the following graph:

The graph shows the sun's trajectory at different times of the year. As you can see, the summer sun rises higher and stays in the sky longer, whereas the winter sun takes a shorter, lower route.

The Ideal Position for Solar Panels

South-Facing Panels

In the Northern Hemisphere, including London, the optimal direction for solar panels to face is south. This orientation allows the panels to receive maximum sunlight throughout the day. Panels facing south will generally perform best year-round, capturing sunlight from morning to evening.

West and East-Facing Panels

If a south-facing position isn't possible, west or east-facing panels can also be effective. East-facing panels capture more sunlight in the morning, and west-facing panels capture more in the afternoon and evening. While they won’t be as efficient as south-facing panels, they still contribute significantly to energy production.

The Ideal Angle for Solar Panels

The Perfect Tilt

For optimal performance, solar panels should be installed at an angle approximately equal to the latitude of your location—in London, that’s about 51 degrees. This angle ensures that the panels are more perpendicular to the sun’s rays over the course of the year, maximising absorption and efficiency.

Adjusting the Angle Seasonally

If you have the ability to adjust the angle of your panels, setting them to 15 degrees higher than your latitude in winter and 15 degrees lower in summer can slightly increase your panel's performance. However, this isn't always practical for fixed installations.

The Impact of Shading

Shading is a crucial factor that can significantly affect the performance of your solar panels. Shadows from trees, buildings, or other obstructions can block sunlight and reduce the energy output. Even a small shaded area can disproportionately reduce output if it affects a string of panels wired in series.

Monitoring and Positioning

To mitigate the effects of shading, it’s essential to monitor your installation site and choose a location with minimal obstructions. Modern solar panel systems also come with power optimisers and micro-inverters that can help minimise the impact of shading on the overall system.

How Position and Angle Affect Performance

To sum up, the position and angle of your solar panels can make a huge difference in their effectiveness. South-facing panels at an optimal tilt can generate the most energy, while east or west-facing panels, though less efficient, still provide considerable benefits. The shading must be minimised to ensure maximum energy production. By carefully considering these factors, you’ll ensure that your solar panel system operates at its highest potential, providing clean, renewable energy for your home or business.

Investing in solar panels is a brilliant step toward sustainability and energy savings, but their success relies heavily on thoughtful installation. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Solar Panels London today and let’s harness the power of the sun together!

Stay tuned to our blog for more tips and insights on maximising your solar energy potential.