It is not completely unreasonable to put solar panels on a north facing roof if the pitch is very shallow.
Roof pitch for solar panels nz.
To get the best payback from solar pv you need to use as much of the solar power as possible as it is generated.
If the natural structure and materials of the roof are not suitable for an efficient system there are many ways in which you can adopt a roof to meet the requirements.
Depending on the pitch of your roof tracking.
The orientation of the panels and the angle they are tilted will have a greater effect on annual energy production.
Fixed panels are stationary and remain at the same pitch throughout the day and year.
There are two types of solar panel mounting options.
Solar panels also generate considerably more power in the summer when the days are longer and the sun is higher in the sky.
Most new zealand homes have a roof pitch of 20 to 30 which is considered optimum for maximizing solar power generation.
Solar energy production drops off quickly especially as the roof pitch increases.
Tracking panels live up to their name they track the sun as it moves through the sky each day.
However many home owners are unsure about what makes a roof suitable for solar energy systems and whether theirs is a good candidate.
Solar panels for any roof type.
The bulk of solar generation is between 11am and 3pm.
Optimal electricity production occurs when solar panels face south at a tilt equal to 30.
The sun provides more than enough energy in just one hour to supply our planet s energy needs for an entire year.
However even if you lower the tilt of your roof all the way down to 5 production only decreases by about 10 percent.
At the end of the day if you really want to install a solar panel array on your roof there will always be a way.
The amount of customization.
Fixed or tracking solar panels.
In a sunny country like new zealand having solar panels is a great way to become more self sufficient and to reduce your energy bills.
Interestingly the optimum roof pitch angle will depend on.
Solar pv isn t much help with winter power peaks.
It is interesting to note however that a 7 in 12 west roof only outperforms a 3 in 12 north roof by 3 9.
Fixed or tracking solar panels.