Direction To Point Solar Panels

The rule is that if you live in the southern hemisphere you should point your panels true north and if you live in the northern hemisphere you should point them true south.

Direction to point solar panels.

This means that your solar panels will be put in a unique direction specifically to maximize energy production between this time range. However there is a difference between magnetic south and true south that must be considered. The traditional advice is to position solar panels to be south facing. This is the simplest and fastest way to position a solar panel for the best output.

To do this you should point your solar panel west. To correct the compass reading your solar installer will calculate the magnetic declination of your site. True south can also be calculated at noon when shadows from vertical objects run north south. This is because for those of us living in the northern hemisphere the sun is always along the southern part of the sky as we complete our yearly orbit around it.

In the northern hemisphere the general rule for solar panel placement is solar panels should face true south and in the southern true north. Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day. The most optimum direction to face your solar panels is somewhere between south and west. It is at this location that your panels will receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day.

When you point your solar panels west you are not maximizing the total amount of energy that is produced. This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere. Solar south or geographic south. For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south.

Build a simple solar pointer and at solar noon you can point your panel t. If your roof does not face the right direction then surface mounted panels or pole mounted panels may be your best bet. While the angle of your solar panels is important a more important factor in your energy production is going to be the direction your panels face. Locating the best direction to point your solar panels can be accomplished very quickly.