Post #8
8)What if I just lay the panels flat, how far from peak power will I be?
For this experiment I just laid the panels horizontally and look at output current vs. the optimal angle I was at. Then, not believing the results I went back to initial configuration, verified currents, and repeated. And repeated. Why??? Well, in my case at high latitude, and fall, output current with the panels horizontal went from 10A to get this 5.1A!!!! Wow, sure glad my panels aren’t mounted flat on the roof!!
Conclusion:
At least at high latitude in the fall, DO NOT lay the panels flat if you can avoid it. You will take a big hit in power output. In my case close to 50% At least place the panels at an angle equal to the latitude. Of course with the sun higher (in the summertime) and at lower latitude I wouldn’t expect as big a drop. But then in late winter it could get even worse at this latitude.
