Solar Solutions for a Brighter Tomorrow
When you are looking into having a solar photovoltaic system installed to take advantage of that clean, free energy from the sun, there are several things to keep in mind before you simply go out and hire an installer or purchase solar panels for a DIY project. Solar technology has indeed come a long way since the early days but there are some aspects which remain the same and will almost certainly continue to do so over time such as the best direction for the solar panels to be facing and the exact tilt (angle) they should be at for maximum performance. Solar technology, even though it is currently state of the art, cannot compensate for areas that are shaded or without exposure to daylight. This is why it is imperative to seek out an expert in solar solutions prior to buying or installing a solar energy system for your home.
The Relationship between Tilt and Direction
For optimum results the solar panels should be facing due south and it is known that every 10° to the west or east makes a marked difference in peak performance. As well, the tilt should be between 30° and 50° for maximum results. In other words, for the best performance you would want a clear, unobstructed location where the solar panels can be installed at a 30° to 50° tilt facing as close to due south as possible. With that being said, a tilt of 30° is optimum although sometimes not practical. Consider the fact that an installation tilted at a 30° angle facing due south performs at 100% efficiency whereas an installation tilted at a 40° angle and facing +/-10° (W or E) would operate at 96%. Every time the tilt or direction changes slightly there is a loss in performance so that a tilt at a 50° angle at +/- 20° (W or E) would only perform at 93% and a tilt at a 60° angle facing +/- 30° (W or E) would be borderline at 85%. You would not want a solar energy system that performs at any less than 85%.
The Benefits of Solar Technology
Solar technology is one of the main ways in which we can all do our part to reduce the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases which are released into the atmosphere. Not only does sunlight provide ‘free’ energy but it also provides clean, green energy that emits no harmful gases that can damage the delicate balance of the ecosphere. Of course the sunlight is free but we must still pay for the solar panels and installation which is why it is essential to choose only solar PV panels which have been certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and installers who are likewise MCS accredited. By so doing you can most often qualify for the government grant programme, the Feed in Tariff that pays you for every kWh generated and for excess that you feed into the national grid. As well, you may also qualify for a reduced rate for the energy you still purchase from your supplier. Each supplier is different which is why we, at New Energy Futures, suggest that you may want to get quotes from various suppliers before contracting one.
To see which solar solutions are available to you in your location you can schedule a free, no obligation visit from one of our 50+ MCS accredited solar installers. Simply fill out the short form on our website or call us on 0844 774 1407 and we will set up an onsite assessment at your earliest convenience.
