While south was historically considered the best direction for solar panels in the Northern Hemisphere due to maximizing overall sunlight collection, the optimal direction is now more nuanced and depends on several factors:

Home Orientation and Obstacles: Not all homes have a perfect south-facing roof. Obstacles like trees or other buildings can also block sunlight, making a different orientation more effective. Even a less-than-optimal direction can still produce significant solar power, though it might require more panels.

Net Metering and Reimbursement: South-facing panels still have an advantage for net metering, as they produce the most energy around midday when household consumption is often lowest (people are at work/school). This maximizes the amount of excess power sent back to the grid for reimbursement.

Utility Rate Plans: This is a crucial new factor. Previously, net-metered homeowners were automatically on a tiered rate plan, meaning they were reimbursed at a flat rate for all power sent back to the grid. However, homeowners now have choices in their utility rate plans. This means that:

Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates: If a homeowner chooses a TOU rate plan, the optimal panel direction might shift. TOU rates charge different prices for electricity at different times of the day (e.g., higher prices during peak evening hours). In this scenario, orienting panels to produce more power during these higher-priced peak times, even if it means slightly less overall daily production, could lead to greater savings.

Strategic Savings: The “trick” is no longer just about collecting the most sunlight, but collecting it in a way that strategically helps the homeowner save on their electricity bills. This implies a more complex calculation involving electricity consumption patterns and utility rate structures.

Local Utility Rules and Regulations: These can significantly impact the feasibility and financial benefits of solar, including net metering rules, which can influence the best panel orientation.

In conclusion, while south remains a strong contender for maximizing overall energy production, the “best” direction for solar panels is no longer a one-size-fits-all answer. Homeowners now need to consider their specific home’s orientation, potential obstacles, their chosen utility rate plan, and local regulations to determine the most financially beneficial direction for their solar installation.

At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we help you navigate these changes and make smart choices for your home and future. Let us help you point your family in the right direction.

Many solar panels manufacturers promise different results from lower prices to better aesthetics. But when selecting solar panels, key factors to consider include the panel efficiency, durability and warranty.

• Panel efficiency:

Efficiency refers to how well a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity. Higher efficiency panels are more valuable in areas with limited space.

Monocrystalline: Monocrystalline panels are known for their high efficiency and are often the preferred choice for residential installations. They are made from a single crystal of silicon, resulting in higher efficiency and a more uniform appearance.

Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals, making them less expensive than monocrystalline panels but also slightly less efficient.

Thin-film: Thin-film panels are flexible and lighter, making them suitable for various installations, but their efficiency is typically lower than monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.

Panels with efficiency ratings above 20% are considered very efficient, ensuring you get the most value for your investment.

• Durability

In addition to efficiency, solar panels need to be created with durability in mind. This is incredibly important because solar panels sit on rooftops and are subject to harsh temperature and weather changes. Exposure to the elements causes all solar panels to degrade over time. But the rate of degradation can vary heavily from one solar panel provider to another.

Certifications can be an indication of the quality and durability of a solar panel. Look for certifications from organizations like the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standard Association (CSA) or oither reputable international certification agencies to ensure the panels meet safety and performance standards.

• Warranty:

Look for panels with a linear power warranty, which specifies the maximum degradation you can expect over the panel’s lifespan (typically 25 years).

A strong warranty is a key indicator of a solar panel’s quality and longevity.

Other Considerations:

Temperature Coefficient: This indicates how much the panel’s power output changes with temperature.

For reliable, high-efficiency, and durable solar panel solutions, trust New Dawn Energy Solution. Email us at info@nedawnenergy.com, visit www.newdawn-es.com, or call +1 (416) 855-9377. Let us help you power your future sustainably and confidently.