Orientation

The orientation of a photovoltaic system describes the direction in which the solar panels are aligned. It is one of the key factors for the energy yield of a system, as it affects the amount of sunlight hitting the panels.

• Optimal orientation:

  • South: The southern orientation is considered optimal because the sun travels across the southern sky throughout the day. This ensures that sunlight hits the panels as perpendicularly as possible, maximizing yield.
  • Deviations: A slight deviation towards southwest or southeast results in only minor reductions in energy output.
  • East-west orientation: This orientation is often a compromise when a pure southern alignment is not possible. It offers a lower total yield but provides a more balanced power generation throughout the day.
  • North: A northern orientation is unsuitable for photovoltaic systems as the sun rarely shines directly on the panels.

• Impact on yield:

  • Angle of incidence: The more perpendicular the sunlight is to the panels, the higher the yield.
  • Time of day: The orientation affects at what times of the day the panels produce the most electricity.
  • Season: The time of year also plays a role as the sun's position in the sky changes throughout the year.

• Other factors:

  • Shading: Trees, buildings, or other obstacles can block sunlight from reaching the panels, reducing energy output.
  • Tilt angle: In addition to orientation, the tilt angle of the panels is important. In most parts of the U.K., an optimal tilt angle is usually between 30 and 35 degrees.

Conclusion: The orientation of a photovoltaic system is a crucial factor for its economic efficiency. Careful planning that takes local conditions into account is key to achieving optimal yield.

Additional terms: Azimuth angle, Solar radiation, Energy balance, Photovoltaic panel, PV system