It has been seen that the efficiency of the solar panels really depends on the place where they are installed. However, the direction and angle at which they are facing are of utmost importance because they influence how much sunlight is available to them and hence how much electricity they can produce. Anyway, the difference between a poorly installed and a well-positioned solar panel can go up to 50% here in the UK.
In this manual, we shall be determining the best angle and orientation of the solar panels for maximum conservation of the electricity bill without compromising the return on investment. This manual shall explain how solar panels have to be oriented in the most optimal way in the UK, and how roof orientation influences panel performance and seasonal changes.
Optimal Angle for Solar Panels in the UK
What Is the Best Angle for Maximum Efficiency?
In the specification drawn by the UK ASHRAE Group, panel tilt angles are highly recommended at 40 degrees from the ground. The angles may be adjusted according to region:
London: 37-40 degrees
Brighton: 38-40 degrees
Bristol: 37-39 degrees
Cardiff: 37-39 degrees
Manchester: 37-40 degrees
Newcastle: 39-44 degrees
Edinburgh: 40-44 degrees.
Well, the angle is critical for the movement of the sun through the sky during the whole day and throughout the year. This angle allows the best sunlight to come in during the peak hours when the sun is highest in the sky to ensure maximum efficiency.
Most roofs would see slopes of between 30 degrees and 50 arc degrees, which is a very common slope for roofs in the UK. This means your roof would probably be fine to put solar panels on. In the unfortunate event that your roof is flat, then some special mounting frame will be used to angle your roof into the best installation angle.
The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Solar Panel Angle
How the Sun’s Position Affects Solar Efficiency
The orientation of the sun strongly affects the efficiency of solar power generation.
Solar panels work at maximum efficiency when placed directly facing the sun. However, as the sun changes position seasonally, so must the optimal tilt angle:
Summer: With the sun high, a lower angle of tilt (about 25 degrees) is suitable.
Winter: The sun is lower in the sky, and a larger angle (about 60 degrees) must be achieved for optimal electricity generation.
Can the angles of the panel be adjusted?
Some ground-mounted solar systems are sometimes adjustable, while others are permanently mounted in place on rooftops. Roof-mounted solar panels are generally fixed angles that do not provide much opportunity for manual adjustment; it is costly and inconvenient for homeowners. Solar panels set at about 40 degrees would generate a substantial amount of electricity throughout the whole year, even if individual manual adjustment may not have been exercised.
Best Direction for Solar Panels in the UK
Why are solar panels south-facing?
This is undoubtedly the position that produces the greatest solar energy collection throughout the daylight hours and maximizes possible output efficiency from solar energy systems.
The effects of various orientations for solar power generation are:
South-facing (0° azimuth): Maximum efficiency; optimal orientation.
Southeast or southwest (45° azimuth): 10-15% less efficient compared to south-facing which is also good.
East- or west-facing (90°/270° azimuth): The efficiency drops by 20-30% which produces less power.
North-facing (180° azimuth): The minimum efficiency which is not really recommended because the output power is very negligible.
Are solar panels facing east-west even an option?
In the absence of a south face on the roof, an east-west facing of solar panels is also possible. Solar panels facing east can produce more energy in the morning, and those oriented directly west can generate more energy in the afternoon. E-w orientation best suits homes where morning or afternoon peak usage is expected.
Conclusion: How to Maximize Solar Panel Efficiency in the UK
Here are a few useful tips to ensure you get optimal performance from your solar panel system:
Tilt Angle: Tilt the panels approximately 40 degrees.
Orientation: Select south for positioning your panel for maximum sunlight collection in a day.
Seasonally Adjusted:The timely angling of the panels will seem ideal, but a fixed system at approximately 40 degrees will be the ideal setting throughout the year.
Alternative Positioning: Panels facing east-to-west are acceptable, but the general recommendation is not to have them facing north for significantly less power production.
Correctly positioning your solar panels can have a vast difference in the whole system efficiency, besides saving a huge amount of electricity. If you have doubts about how to best position your home, call a professional solar installer to evaluate your particular realities.