Direction of panels to sun

scheek
scheek Registered Users Posts: 26 ✭✭
in PV Installers Forum - NEC, Wiring, Installation #1
I have my panels tilted 43 degrees to the southeast. Is it a bad idea to lay them back more to maybe 12 degrees. That way the evening sun could hit them better for a few more hours. That would take away direct hit in mornings though. I do have MPPT in my inverter.

Just thinking.

Thanks:confused:
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  • sunbunny
    sunbunny Solar Expert Posts: 59 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Direction of panels to sun

    Try this experiment: hold a book off to the side of a lamp at about 43 degrees. You are trying to imitate the angle of the sun to the panels at the hour you are talking about.
    Without changing the side to side tilt of the book, tip it back to '12' degrees. Do you see any change ?
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  • NorthGuy
    NorthGuy Solar Expert Posts: 1,913 ✭✭
    #3
    Re: Direction of panels to sun

    There's a software program called PVWatts that can help you to find the optimum angle for your location.
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,654 admin
    #4
    Re: Direction of panels to sun

    PV Watts--This version I like because it is so simple. You fill out a couple of options and push calculate. You see monthly summaries for each setting you try. Very quick to validate any changes to your array orientation.

    http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/pvwatts/version1/

    Use 0.77 derating for Grid Tied systems, and 0.52 for Off Grid systems.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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