landscape and portrait on same string ?

jadi
jadi Registered Users Posts: 10 ✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
Hi. can solar panels be mounted in both landscape and portrait configuration on the same string with same tilt and same orientation? Just trying to fit in more panels on a limited size roof.
Also we will be reroofing our 20yr old roof before panel installation. Just curious if color of roof ( dark vs light ) affect performance of panels. Darker color absorb heat, are hotter. Obviously it will not affect our choice but just like to know.

jadi
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,641 admin
    #2
    Re: landscape and portrait on same string ?

    Panel rotation should not matter--Roughly 1/2 of my panels are landscape and the other 1/2 are portrait on my roof.

    If you mount the panels ~5" or more above the roof, you will have better air circulation under the panels to keep them cooler. If most of your roof is covered with panels, I am not sure that the color of the roof will matter much.

    My roof is a neutral color and my attic is now much cooler because of the shading provided by my panels.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • russ
    russ Solar Expert Posts: 593 ✭✭
    #3
    Re: landscape and portrait on same string ?

    Depending on you location you might consider additional insulation when replacing the roof. Shouldn't be too hard to do and would pay off.

    On the hottest day of the summer here in İzmir İ take a nap in one of the attic rooms with natural breeze only for cooling - the attic ceiling has 150mm of foam insulation.
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  • solarvic
    solarvic Solar Expert Posts: 1,071 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: landscape and portrait on same string ?
    jadi wrote: »
    Hi. can solar panels be mounted in both landscape and portrait configuration on the same string with same tilt and same orientation? Just trying to fit in more panels on a limited size roof.
    Also we will be reroofing our 20yr old roof before panel installation. Just curious if color of roof ( dark vs light ) affect performance of panels. Darker color absorb heat, are hotter. Obviously it will not affect our choice but just like to know.

    jadi
    If you are in US you should check out the stimullus program. You can get a 30% refund on your income tax if you use approved colors and type of roofing materials. I think there is a $1500.00 cap on it but not sure. Also for steel roofing also. S:Dlarvic
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