Going solar is a great decision and an increasingly popular one. At the end of 2020, Americans installed approximately 2.7 million residential photovoltaic systems in their households.
If you’re planning on installing a solar panel system, you probably have all the facts down pat. However, one aspect of your solar panel systems that you may not have thoroughly researched is the solar panel system design. The design of your solar panel system is vital to achieving its optimal performance and stands the most excellent chance of delivering for many years.
Keep reading to learn how to avoid these mistakes with your very own solar panel system design.
1. Not Considering the Average Daily Solar Insolation
When talking about the mistakes in designing a solar panel system, a common one is not considering the average daily solar insolation for the area. Solar insolation measures the solar radiation energy received on a given surface area in a given period. It is commonly expressed as average daily solar insolation in watt-hours per square meter (Wh/m2).
2. Improper Sizing of Solar Array
Another mistake is incorrectly sizing the solar array to meet the home’s or business’s energy needs. This can lead to the system not providing enough or, in some cases, providing too much power and generating more electricity than needed.
3. Incorrect Solar Panel System Design and Positioning
Not orienting the solar panels towards the south is another design mistake. In the northern hemisphere, solar panels should be facing the true south, while in the southern hemisphere, they should be facing the true north. This is because the sun is directly overhead at the equator on the March and September equinoxes.
4. Not Providing Proper Shade Against Overheating
Not shading the solar panels is also a mistake. Solar panels need to be in an open, sunny location to work properly, but if they are in direct sunlight all day, they will overheat and become less efficient.
A good solar company will consider this upon the installation of solar panels by taking measurements and drafting an installation plan before the actual procedure. If you want to learn more about the best solar panel installation company, do your research online to find the most reliable for the job.
5. Choosing the Incorrect Type of Solar Panels
Another most common mistake is selecting the wrong type of solar panel. There are three main types of solar panels available in the market. These are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Each kind has unique characteristics and is better suited for different applications.
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient but also the most expensive. Polycrystalline panels are less efficient but more affordable. Thin-film panels are the least efficient but are also the most flexible in terms of installation.
Avoid These Mistakes by Talking to a Professional
If you’re considering a solar panel system design, avoid making these common design mistakes. Solar panels should be installed in a sunny location, without shading from trees or buildings.
To maximize sun exposure, you should also tilt the panels at the correct angle. Work with a qualified solar installer to ensure your system is designed and installed correctly.
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