Three Factors That Effect Your Home Solar Panels

Oct.05, 2009 in Tips

Solar panels on your home can lower your monthly costs, but it isn’t as simple as just putting up a few panels. There are many things that can effect how efficient your solar panels are going to be. Before installing your home solar panels make sure that you know the factors that can help or hinder your system’s performance.

1. Local Climate Depending on where you live , you may get several hours of sunlight or very few hours. Modern solar panels are designed to work even in very low sunlight, yet these panels can be costly. It may be safer to use solar power to suppliment traditional energy sources rather than as a complete alternative. You should also have several good battery systems installed to save excess energy you gain on those sunny days.

2. Pollution California may be the best state for running solar power, yet the pollution hovering over several cities blocks out the sunlight. Smog and smoke can hamper your home solar panels from working to their full potential. As with poor climate, if you live in an area with air pollution you may need to use traditional electricity along side solar power. If you want to completely break free from the traditional energy system you could supplement your solar panels with a wind turbine.

3. Roof Position Most people install their home solar panels on their roof. This makes the angle that your roof tilts at very important. A roof that titls between forty to sixty degrees is in the best position to collect the sun’s rays. The direction that your roof faces is also important. In the northern hemisphere you can get the most sunlight from the south. If your roof is not quite right you may need to manually create a tilt to install your home solar panels in another area on your home.

Installing home solar panels is not just a simple plug and go. You need to be aware of what makes solar panels work more effectively. Knowing what works and what doesn’t will help you get the most from the sun for your home.