Is Your Site Suitable for Solar Panels?

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Solar energy is increasing in popularity, especially with the potential for rebates and tax incentives. The federal government is offering a 30 percent tax credit this year for installing solar systems. Each state has its own legislation to encourage the development of solar and other options. Be sure to check any requirements before installing a solar system.

To evaluate whether solar panels will be suitable for your location, there are some critical factors to consider. In the U.S., we have enough direct and scattered sunlight to support photovoltaic, or PV modules, and produce electricity using solar resources. But the amount of electricity that can be created depends upon the amount of energy from the sun that reaches these solar units. Obviously, in the southwestern region of the U.S., where the sun’s rays are strongest, solar energy systems will be most efficient.

When thinking about the purchase of solar panels, the first issue to determine is whether you’ll be able to create enough solar energy to make your system economical and efficient. Perhaps not all of your solar electricity can be generated through photovoltaics, but you’ll want to be able to create enough power to make this system worthwhile. Perform an analysis, or have a qualified contractor do one for you to be certain that your location is appropriate for a solar system.

There are a number of factors to consider, including the angle of the solar arrays and the surrounding landscaping. The most effective positioning for panels in the U.S. and Canada is facing south, but they can be positioned up to 45 degrees east or west of true south and still be effective.

Most people choose to mount the arrays flat on the roof, and that means further considerations, such as the angle and condition of the roof, the position the roof faces, any landscaping (including trees) that might block sunlight, and weather conditions that could have a bearing on electricity production.

If using your roof isn’t feasible, there are still other options, including placing the system on the ground or a platform. Panels can be fixed on a “tracking” mount that follows the sun. The best tilt for your modules is an angle equal to your latitude.

So even if your property isn’t optimal for a roof mount, solar arrays might still prove an attractive option to the local utility.  As long as there is enough sunlight, the possibility of more creative panel placement exists.  And as the technology continues to improve and costs decrease, and the government creates incentives toinstall solar, this will become an attractive alternative.