Solar Panel Performance vs Sun Elevation
There are many factors that affect panel performance but one that is predictable is the angle of the sun striking the panel. The literature suggests that the panel watts * sin(sun angle on the panel) ...
Forum Discussion
want to get your panel at optimum angles quickly???? Here is the solution.
Tools needed
1) Sun
2) tube from a use Toilet paper roll, paper towel roll
3) One hand.
Method.
1)place the tube perpendicular on the panel.
2)Orient the panel to the tube cast NO shadow on the panel.
3) prop the panel in this position.
Takes all of about 30 seconds.
Once you have done this a few times, you'll find that "eyeballing" the postion gets you darn close, probably close enough.
If you do this around mid day you will also be close to the optimum position for daily average collection as well.
That will place the panel perpendicular to the sun which is exactly the orientation for maximum solar collection.
Panel will be close to the latitude + sun asmiuth.
Tools needed
1) Sun
2) tube from a use Toilet paper roll, paper towel roll
3) One hand.
Method.
1)place the tube perpendicular on the panel.
2)Orient the panel to the tube cast NO shadow on the panel.
3) prop the panel in this position.
Takes all of about 30 seconds.
Once you have done this a few times, you'll find that "eyeballing" the postion gets you darn close, probably close enough.
If you do this around mid day you will also be close to the optimum position for daily average collection as well.
That will place the panel perpendicular to the sun which is exactly the orientation for maximum solar collection.
Panel will be close to the latitude + sun asmiuth.
