A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

General Category => System Design and Layout => Topic started by: asdex on February 12, 2014, 09:30:03 PM

Title: PV array direction
Post by: asdex on February 12, 2014, 09:30:03 PM
Hi, seems the people that built our house have faced it magnetic North or about 23deg East of North. I am mounting my panels on a ground frame but as they are near the house, will look a bit funny. What would it mean if I face them to magnetic North?
Thanks,
Title: Re: PV array direction
Post by: zoneblue on February 12, 2014, 11:49:40 PM
I think you will be hard pressed to notice the difference. In fact array outout is quite particular to climate. Some places have foggy mornings, or cloudy afternoons. If you really wanna know checkout pvwatts.

If the slope is nearish right, thank yourself lucky the direction is in the right ballpark!



Title: Re: PV array direction
Post by: Westbranch on February 13, 2014, 12:19:01 AM
There  has been discussion on NAWS about SE vs S vs SW and SW seems to be slightly ahead of the others, over 12 months, but not statistically significant IIRC, as the increase is in the north and due to longer days in summer...  As ZB said correct slope is a bonus.
Title: Re: PV array direction
Post by: asdex on February 14, 2014, 06:47:33 PM
Hi, thanks for your answers. That gives me a bit of variation with installation in that case.
Cheers,