Installation of photovoltaic modules. Practical advice

This is material we will open the series of articles - practical advice on installation of photovoltaic modules (solar panels).

Can photovoltaic modules (solar panels) to be installed on the roof of my house? What factors should be taken into consideration?

The most important issues to take a positive decision on the placement of photovoltaic cells as follows:

- Is there a suitable place on the building, where solar panels can be installed?
- Is there a type of photovoltaic system, which is suitable for your environment (including climate, type of building, etc.)?
- Do I need permission to install solar panels?

Photovoltaic modules can be placed on almost any building surface which receives enough sunlight for the greater part of the day. Roofs are the usual location for PV systems in homes, but the photovoltaic modules can also be placed on facades, balconies, walls and even windows. The surface on which the proposed placement of solar panels, should receive as much sunlight. The more the world will receive a surface photovoltaic module, the more electricity it can produce.

The efficiency of PV modules depends on 3 factors:

1. Focus on the light side
Accommodation photovoltaic module should preferably be oriented in the sector between the south-western and south-easterly direction. Southern exposure is the most preferable. Placement on the north "should be avoided.

2. Angle
When placing an inclined surface of photovoltaic module receives more light than in a vertical or horizontal placement. The angle may be in the range of 15 to 90 °. The minimum slope of 15 ° provides a natural cleaning of the surface of PV modules from dust during the precipitation. In the European part of Russia the best angle is the range of 30-60 ° in the southern exposure. Generally you can say that the optimum tilt angle is equal to the latitude areas. For the eastern or western exposure is less than optimal angle for this latitude.

3. Opacity
On installation of photovoltaic cells to be taken into account the shadow of near standing trees or buildings. The presence of even a small shadow of the day can significantly reduce the performance of solar cells. If you completely avoid the shadow you can not, you should consult with a specialist installation company on the optimal placement of photovoltaic modules.
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