As a rule, you should install solar panels where they get lots of sun throughout the day. Otherwise, the panels will harvest minimal light, meaning your setup won’t produce enough power. This piece provides everything you need to know about solar panel placement in Nevada.
What’s the Best Solar Panel Placement Option for Nevadans?
In Nevada, the best solar panel orientation is south-facing. When installed on the south side of the roof, your solar panels capture sunlight from morning until evening, maximizing solar energy generation. However, if installing your solar panels on a south-facing roof is impossible, an east or west-facing roof would suffice. An east-facing roof gets enough sunlight throughout the day, with the peak hours being in the morning to the afternoon. Likewise, the west-facing roof receives consistent exposure to sunlight, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. Thus, with the east or west-facing solar panel placement, your system will generate reasonable electricity to power your home.
In addition to orientation, you should position your solar panels at an angle of 36 degrees, avoiding shading from nearby objects, like chimneys and other buildings. Placing solar panels at the proper slope optimizes their exposure to sunlight.
How To Maximize Your Solar Production
Even with careful positioning, several factors can hinder the output of solar panels. These include shading from nearby objects, equipment malfunction and sunlight obstruction by dirt or debris. For this reason, there are a couple of measures to take after installing your solar panels.
1. Regularly Check Your Solar Panels
You should inspect your solar panels at least once every year to ensure they are working properly. During the inspection, check the panels and associated components for signs of damage, including cracks or scratches on the solar panel surface.
Furthermore, check if the panels are clean. Dirt, dust or debris can obstruct sunlight absorption. Note that you are not limited to checking your system once a year. Instead, you can do the inspections often, especially when you notice fluctuations in energy production.
2. Trim Trees Blocking Panels
Shade from trees growing near your solar panel setup obstructs sunlight, reducing energy output. For this reason, trim tree branches to prevent sun ray obstruction. If trimming isn’t enough to prevent shading, consider repositioning the panels.
3. Pair Your System With a Solar Battery
Adding a good solar battery to your setup is another excellent way to maximize output. The battery stores surplus electricity generated during peak sunlight hours. Afterward, you can use the stored energy when the system cannot produce enough.
Get Solar Panel Placement Right With Solar Optimum
Setting up your solar system is best left to an expert in solar power installation. These professionals know the correct solar panel placement orientation based on tilt angle and shading effect. Moreover, the experts are familiar with local climate conditions, so they know the position that collects the most sunlight. Contact us to get expert advice on how to best set up your solar panel system.