How can you determine the best location for solar panels?

1 Latitude and solar radiation

The first factor to consider is the latitude of your location, which determines the angle and duration of sunlight that reaches your panels. Generally, the closer you are to the equator, the more solar radiation you receive throughout the year. However, the seasons also affect the solar angle and day length, so you need to account for the variations in your location. You can use online maps and calculators to find out the average solar radiation for your location, or you can measure it yourself with a solarimeter.

2 Orientation and tilt

The second factor is the orientation and tilt of your panels, which affect how much sunlight they capture. Ideally, you want your panels to face the direction that receives the most sun exposure during the day, which is usually south in the northern hemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere. However, depending on your location and roof shape, you may have to compromise and choose a different orientation. You also want to adjust the tilt of your panels to match the angle of the sun at different times of the year. You can use online tools or formulas to calculate the optimal orientation and tilt for your panels, or you can experiment with different angles and monitor the output.

3 Shading and obstructions

The third factor is the shading and obstructions that may block the sunlight from reaching your panels. Shading can reduce the output and efficiency of your panels significantly, so you want to avoid it as much as possible. You need to identify and remove any potential sources of shading, such as trees, buildings, chimneys, or power lines, that may cast shadows on your panels during the day. You also need to consider the sun's movement and how it changes throughout the year, as some objects may only shade your panels during certain seasons or hours. You can use online tools or apps to simulate the sun's path and identify the shading patterns for your location, or you can use a device called a solar pathfinder to measure the shading on site.

4 Weather and climate

The fourth factor is the weather and climate of your location, which affect the temperature and cloud cover of your panels. Temperature and cloud cover can have opposite effects on your panels: higher temperatures can lower the efficiency and output of your panels, while cloud cover can diffuse and reflect the sunlight and increase the output of your panels. You need to consider the typical weather and climate patterns of your location, such as the average temperature, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, and cloudiness, and how they vary throughout the year. You can use online data or records to find out the weather and climate information for your location, or you can use a weather station to measure it yourself.

5 Tools and methods

The fifth factor is the tools and methods that you can use to determine the best location for your panels. There are many online and offline tools and methods that can help you assess the factors mentioned above, such as solar maps, calculators, simulators, formulas, solarimeters, solar pathfinders, and weather stations. You can use these tools and methods to estimate the solar potential and output of your location, or you can compare different locations and scenarios to find the best option. You can also use these tools and methods to monitor and evaluate the performance of your panels after installation, and make adjustments if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?