I'm fitting 4 panels on a flat, S facing roof in a row from S to N.
I am at 55 degrees, so I gather the optimum fixed angle is 55 degrees...
Problem is that at that angle, in Winter at least they will overshadow each other. Even at a lower angle, say 30 degrees they will shadow each other unless there are big spaces between them, which I don't have roof space for. I don't quite know how to calculate distances required to spread out the panels so they don't overshadow each other... but I am wondering if I should even bother. In December I will have sun at 20 degrees from the horizon, so the only way to capture that without shadowing others is to place them all flat.
So... I gather that the solar gain from angling panels is pretty minimal anyway, so I am wondering if I am just best to lie them flat (or at some small angle to drain water). I think the loss of power from putting part of a panel in shadow is much more than the gain from tilting up towards the sun. Any thoughts on this?
I am at 55 degrees, so I gather the optimum fixed angle is 55 degrees...
Problem is that at that angle, in Winter at least they will overshadow each other. Even at a lower angle, say 30 degrees they will shadow each other unless there are big spaces between them, which I don't have roof space for. I don't quite know how to calculate distances required to spread out the panels so they don't overshadow each other... but I am wondering if I should even bother. In December I will have sun at 20 degrees from the horizon, so the only way to capture that without shadowing others is to place them all flat.
So... I gather that the solar gain from angling panels is pretty minimal anyway, so I am wondering if I am just best to lie them flat (or at some small angle to drain water). I think the loss of power from putting part of a panel in shadow is much more than the gain from tilting up towards the sun. Any thoughts on this?