Ideal Solar Panel Angle
DIY home solar panel system
So you want to build a DIY home solar panel system. Perfect time to get started with the increasing costs of electricity & Global warming. But before you dive in let’s have a look at what needs to be thought about and considered first . Having decided what you want your solar project to do for you , the next most important thing to consider is the location of the panels, for the panels must be free from shade , year-round.
If you live north of the equator the panels should face south and if you live south of the equator they should face north . The main reason for this is to maximise exposure to the sun, especially in winter . It goes a little deeper than that, depending on the exact latitude concerned and local weather conditions but that is the general idea.
You must think about the above when you choose the location of your DIY home solar panel system. If the angle of your roof faces tpwards the north and south, then you are off to a good start , as long as your roof is shade-free. Tilt angle is important, particularly if you live in high latitudes. Generally speaking, if your roof has a pitch or angle of 20-50 degrees then it is the best place to install your panels.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves . The primary consideration, of course is your decision on what you want to do with solar . If you just want a solar panel to run a few lights or operate a small water pump, then mount the panel on a pole or a portable rack. If it is for a full house systems (four or more panels) then the roof is probably the ideal location .
If your roof is not suitable for a larger or multi-panel array, then you must find a site on your property where you can mount a ground rack; again a place that has no shade – (and shade definitely includes trees). I personally prefer a ground rack mounted on solid concrete . The Panels are then much easier to access to clean, and add to should you decide to expand in the future.
The question of how many panels one needs in a DIY home solar panel system is of course related to what one wants to do and this involves a more comprehensive discussion than this article allows for. Thus the ‘number of panels’ topic is addressed proper in Article 4, where the various needs are looked at and system size examples given.
Let’s have a cursory look at what panels are generally available and what they can do for us. Single solar panels (technically called ‘solar modules’) are available in power ratings from as little as one watt up to 200 watts and above. Whilst the former may cost just a few dollars, the 200 watt giant is likely to cost you over $1,000! Solar panels for home use almost always have charging voltages of 16-21 volts to charge 12 volt battery banks, and whilst a 5 watt panel will yield .40 of an amp of charge, a 200 watt giant will yield around 10 amps. This article is addressing the independent off-grid home owner and so 24 volt grid-connect panels are not discussed here.
Like all products, there are differning quality panels out there on the market, be aware however price is not always indicative of the quality. . Be careful in your choices, as the bulk of your investment in the system, will be in the panels Top of our list for strength, quality, build and good consistent output are Kyocera panels; and with a cell efficiency approaching 16% they have a lot going for them!
Solar panels can be easily self-installed and wired up following the instructions supplied. An electrician is rarely necessary, except possibly when the system is to be wired through an inverter to feed the household AC circuit . Unless an electrician is certified by the utility company he can not wire your system into the grid. But as said above this is another topic for a later article.
Be confident that you too can create a solar panel power system, it has been demonstrated on manyt occasions, that in fact installation as a DIY’er is in fact quite simple.
Is it cost effective to install a system? Without doubt, ‘yes’ If there is no grid ; and with little doubt, if the sun shines brightly most of the year and you consider saved costs. For me it is always economical, for how can you value energy independence!
Always remeber however quality components will mean a quality system. Skimp and you will invariably get less consistent results
About the Author
Jason Heath invites you to visit http://www.diyalternateenergy.com/diy-home-solar-panel-kits-and-systems/ to receive a free report on how you too can enjoy the benefits and savings of a “green” energy efficient home. Simply follow the prompts to have it emailed to you today!
Sneak Peak Inside Earth4Energy (visit: www.Do-It-Yourself-Solar-Panels.net/energyoffgrid.php)
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