subject: DIY Solar Panel - Where to Site Your Panels [print this page] DIY Solar Panel - Where to Site Your Panels
Your DIY solar panel will need clear and unobstructed sunlight. You can make a quick assessment of a suitable site by walking around your house and garden. Try to find at least three possible sites for your renewable energy source. Ideal locations are obviously roofs, so take a look at your garage, shed and home. Your DIY cells should be placed away from obstructions such as walls or trees.
The angle of yoursun panel is also important as this will affect the performance of the system. In the US, the sun is always in the southern sky. Therefore often the ideal site for your do-it-yourself solar cells will be your south facing roof. I often find that flat roofs also work well. You can get the optimal angle for the DIY solar panel by mounting the cells at an angle facing south towards the sun. However do not worry if you do not have a south facing roof, your system can work perfectly fine on east and west facing roofs.
If you cannot find a rooftop location for the panels then you can always fix your homemade solar panels on the ground. There are two options available, either a fixed mount or what is known as a tracking mount. The tracking mount will follow the sun to provide the most direct sunlight to the solar cells.
There are plenty of solar panel mount guides and plans on the market to help you get the most out of your DIY solar panels. Make sure you pick up a renewable energy guide before starting your project.
