Sunlight striking solar cells in a photovoltaic panel or module cause the flow of electrons from one material to another. By wiring the two materials, a circuit can be created allowing the flow of electrons to product electric voltage and current. Connecting a number of solar cells in a module provides usable power. Connecting a number of modules in an array increases this usable power greatly.
To optimize the conversion of sunlight to usable power, a photovoltaic solar module needs:
- Clear orientation to the southern sky. That is true south, not magnetic south.
- On average, a mounted angle should equal your latitude. In Missouri this is approximately 37-39 Degrees from the horizon. For ground mounts it is advantageous to have an adjustable mount with 27 degrees for the summer, and 47 degrees for the winter. This allows for the seasonal effect of the sun being higher or lower in the sky depending on what season it is.
- Shading during the solar window (10 AM – 3 PM) should be eliminated. Any shading will greatly degrade the power output of a module- even if it is only covering a couple of cells in the module.
You can further optimize your solar collection by using a dual access tracking system. These systems are ground mounted and they move in line with the movement of the sun- always keeping your solar array in perfect orientation- both horizontally and vertically.