After you purchase your solar panels, you will be faced with some decisions about their installation. How will your solar panels be mounted? What parts will you need? If you are like me, then no matter which direction you choose the system should be reliable and secure.
A popular method is to mount one’s solar panels on top of their roof. It is a simple and convenient solution, and so most folks attach their solar panels this way. Most often these mounting parts can be purchased right off the shelf.
The roof mount method is not perfect, however. For those of us who want the best performance from our solar panels, or who live in northern climates (as do the writers), there are some alternatives to think about.
The first issue we encountered was dealing with snow. Snow storms are common in my neck of the woods, and sometimes there is snow pack all Winter long. Whenever there is the slightest amount of snow fall, the solar panels must be cleaned. Snow covered glass will severely inhibit their ability to produce electricity.
In the mountains of Washington and Colorado, we have been working on a solution. We are designers and craftsman who desire convenience and performance with our own home based solar power systems. And like everyone else, we don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. We call this solution the Rotek system.
With this design, the solar panels are installed remotely rather than on the roof. This provides additional space beneath the panels which Rotek puts to use. The panels can be rotated to almost any angle with a simple move. This feature is good for making seasonal adjustments based on the Sun.
A second advantage comes in Winter when the solar panels can be rotated toward the ground, and operated at steeply sloped or negative tilt. This prevents the buildup of snow on the photovoltaic surface. It is also good for periodic glass cleaning, maintenance, or for dumping a load of snow if the panels were left up in a storm.
Many of us know that orienting the panel with a negative tilt is not the best thing for tracking the Sun. But keep in mind the snow pack’s high reflectivity. As long as the ground has snow cover, the panels will receive this reflected radiation. The losses, therefore, are not that great. Whether after a snow storm, or after the worst weeks of Winter are done, the solar panels can be oriented back to the normal tracking angle whenever desired.
A second big issue with solar panels is their operating temperature. The cooler the panels, the more we maximize their discharge current. Roof mounted solar panels acquire much more heat, and the amount of energy lost at these higher temperatures can be as high as 20%.
Remotely installed solar panels will run cooler, and the electrical output will be better for this. There is fresh air to circulate on the back end (instead of a hot roof), and they can be located closer to the ground. The Rotek system, if used, would provide this additional advantage to your solar panel system.
You will have to come up with a way to install your solar panels. It should be simple, reliable, and mounting them on your roof may be the best option. For those who have to deal with the snow, or who would like to fine tune their performance, they should consider a remote installation like the Rotek system. The Rotek system is a simple to use and easy to install system designed for the home enthusiast.
Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar energy power systems. For a short time you can get his free checklist to solar energy from your own land.
categories: solar energy,solar power,science,home improvement,environment
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