Can you install solar panels in a shaded area?
Solar panels are a great option for anyone looking to save money on their electricity bill and help out the planet. Solar panels convert the sun’s rays into energy and so the sunnier the area your solar panels are placed, the more effective they will be in producing clean electricity for your home. This also raises the question: will solar panels work in the shade? Depending on how shaded your roof is it may still be viable to install solar panels and run your home on solar energy. Keep reading to find out how solar panels work in more shaded areas and if solar panels are a viable option for your home.
Is Your Roof Too Shaded for Solar Panels?
If you have a lot of trees on your property or near your home you may wonder if they will obstruct the solar panels from the sun's rays. There is also the issue of twigs and branches from the trees potentially damaging the solar panels.
However, even with trees in your yard solar panels can still generate power for your house and be a worthwhile investment. Additionally, the advanced technology in solar panels consists of devices called bypass diodes. Bypass diodes let electricity pass by any shaded solar panels completing the circuit and having the panel to still generate power. If there is a bypass diode in each solar cell then the solar panel can still function even when parts of it are shaded.
How to get the most out of solar panels in a shaded area
If you decide to install solar panels in wooded areas there are a few options to maximize how well your solar panel functions. There are even shade-tolerant solar panels with higher wattage that will perform better in mostly shaded areas. There are plenty of options for you when it comes to installing solar panels not in fully sunny areas!
Install solar panels on southern-facing portions of your roof
Maximize the sun you DO have by installing solar panels on the south-facing side of your roof. This ensures panels will get sunlight all day long. Solar panels installed on the east or west side of the house will get direct sunlight in the morning and evening but won’t receive light the rest of the day. South-facing solar panels guarantee that you will get the most direct sunlight you can!
Trim or prune trees, if applicable
While it’s not ideal to cut down or remove trees, in most cases trimming or pruning branches can do the trick to get your solar panels adequate sun. Additionally, deciduous trees will lose their leaves in the winter and expose your panels to more sun. The tree distance from solar panels also makes an impact. Further away trees will be easier to prune and will better expose your solar panels to the sun.
If you have a lot of trees on the south side of your house that could be problematic as it will block your midday sun and prevent your solar panels from functioning properly. If you’re unsure if the trees you have will obstruct your solar too much, our team of qualified professionals can assess your house and determine if your home is fit for solar panels.
Solar Panel Wattage
In a shaded area opting for a high solar panel, wattage can make solar panels more effective and offset the issues that come from having a shaded roof. High wattage solar panels are more expensive but they are more powerful and will better convert indirect sunlight into useful energy. If you are set on installing solar panels in a more shaded area, higher wattage panels are going to be the most effective option for your home!
Complete Solar Is Here To Help With Your Next Solar Panel Installation!
If you have been thinking about installing solar panels give Complete Solar a call. We’ll walk you through the installation process, costs, and we’ll show you how much money you can save by switching to solar. Save money and save the environment by going solar, it's a great change for you and for the earth. We look forward to working with you!