Where Should Solar Panels Be Installed?

Going solar is an option that is now more exciting, accessible and cost-effective for Australian households than ever before. In fact, according to the Australian Clean Energy Regulator, around 30% of Australian households now have solar panels installed. This makes Australia one of the leading countries in the world in terms of household solar penetration.

The number of solar panel installations in Australia has been steadily increasing over the years, driven by factors such as falling installation costs, rising electricity prices, and government incentives for renewable energy. But when you’re just getting started on your journey towards net-zero, knowing where to begin (or, at the very least, how to tackle the basics) can be a huge challenge.

In this article, we’ll take a look at key factors regarding the effective placement and installation of solar panels in the residential context, focusing specifically on:

• The types of environmental conditions best-suited to solar panel installation
• Placement options within the home
• The most important things to keep in mind when going solar for the first time
• The best solar panels for residential buildings

Ready? Let’s get started.

Which environments are best for solar panels?

Naturally, as a source of renewable energy that relies almost exclusively on sunlight alone, solar panels should be installed in a location that receives maximum sunlight throughout the year. Ideally, solar PV panels should be installed in a location that isn’t overly shaded by trees, buildings or other obstacles. The direction in which the solar panels are facing is also important – generally, they should be installed facing south in the northern hemisphere and facing north in the southern hemisphere, as is the case in Australian environments.

Many customers ask us if solar panels can be installed in locations that receive less natural sunlight, and still be effective. The answer to this, in general, is yes – with conditions. While solar PV panels can still be effective even in locations that receive less natural sunlight than other locations, it’s understandable that their efficiency may be reduced compared to locations with more sunlight.

In general, solar panels require a minimum level of sunlight exposure to generate electricity, and the amount of energy generated depends on the intensity and duration of the sunlight. If, for example, a particular location receives lower levels of natural sunlight, there are still ways to maximise the effectiveness of the solar system installed there. These include:

• Installing solar panels at a higher angle to catch more sunlight during the day
• Placing solar PV panels on the side of the building that receives the most sunlight
• Keeping solar panels are clean and free from debris

Finally, in order to best maximise the efficiency of your solar PV panels, it’s important to ensure that the solar panels are installed securely and in compliance with local building codes and regulations. As an award-winning solar company, SunPower Elite Partner, Enphase Platinum Installer and Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer, that’s certainly something we can help you with!

Where in the home should solar panels be installed?

Solar panels can be installed on various parts of your home, depending on a number of factors including:

• The available space
• Orientation of the roof
• The factors influencing local regulations

Let’s look at some of the most-common locations within the residential environment:

1. Rooftops: Rooftops are generally the most common location for solar panel installation. Usually, the specific location on the roof will depend on factors such as the best and most-efficient angle for capturing sunlight in your specific location. A trusted solar PV panel installer (like G Store) can help you determine this.
2. Ground-mounted systems: If the roof is not suitable for solar panel installation, a ground-mounted system can be installed in the yard or on an adjacent plot of land. As is occasionally the case with older buildings or buildings that have not necessarily accounted for solar panels in their design, ground-mounted systems can be the most accessible option for solar panel placement.
3. Awnings: Solar panels can be integrated into awnings, providing shade and generating electricity at the same time.This is an interesting solution to consider as elements of buildings new and old alike.
4. Walls: Solar panels can also be mounted on walls to generate electricity and act as additional insulation.
5. Carports: To make the best use of available rooftop space, solar panels can also be installed on carports or other covered structures, providing shade for parked vehicles and generating electricity at the same time.

Wondering about the best location for your new solar panels? We can help! Just give our friendly and multi- award-winning team a call today on 1300 137 567.

What should I consider when buying solar panels?

Aside from the best location for your new solar panels, there are a number of considerations that are important to keep in mind when going solar, including:

1. Energy needs: Understanding and being able to articulate your current and projected energy needs will help you choose a solar panel system size and makeup that supports your requirements now, and into the future
2. Efficiency: Look for solar panels with a high efficiency rating, which means they can generate more electricity per square metre of panel – check out the next subheading below for more info on our SunPower panels!
3. Cost: Consider the upfront cost of the solar panel system, as well as the long-term savings on energy bills – we can help you calculate both your upfront benefits now, and project them for the coming years
4. Quality: With so many cheap, sub-quality solar systems getting around, it’s incredibly important to do your research and choose high-quality solar panels that are durable and can withstand a range of weather conditions for years to come
5. Warranty: Look for a solar panel system with a comprehensive warranty that covers the panels, installation, and other components
6. Installer: Choose a reputable and experienced solar panel installer who can ensure that the system is installed correctly and safely

And as it turns out, guess what: we can help you do all of the above!

Which solar panels are the best?

At G Store, we are proud to partner with SunPower to deliver the very best solar systems on the market, delivering you an incredible solar solution and savings for years to come.

SunPower panels include a huge range of benefits, such as:

• An industry-best 40-year warranty (yes, 40 years – read more below)
• Compliance with the full range of standards and guidelines, Australia/NZ-wide
• Are tested to MIL-STD-810G, a US Military Standard for use in the harshest of weather conditions
• Being made by a company committed to the UN Global Compact, the United Nations’ most significant global sustainability pact for businesses, worldwide
• Can be tracked and managed by one hand app: SunPower One

You can learn more about our SunPower panels here.

Wrapping up

Ready to get started on your solar journey? Read more now at our Learning Centre, or contact our friendly team today on 1300 137 567 for your obligation-free walk through your options.

We can’t wait to chat.