Solar panels are a sustainable way to generate energy, but what happens if your roof is (often) in the shade? Shade can affect the performance of solar panels. Fortunately, there are solutions that ensure you can still make optimal use of solar panels, even if your roof isn’t always in the sun.
Shade can be caused by various things, such as:
Trees: Large trees can cause shade on your roof, especially in spring and autumn.
Chimneys or dormers: Parts of your roof that protrude can cause shade.
Other buildings: In cities, a building next to your house may cast shade on your roof.
Solar panels work best when they receive direct sunlight. If a panel is in the shade, it can generate less energy. The problem is that solar panels are often connected in a series, and if one solar panel generates less energy, it affects the rest of the panels.
Fortunately, there are several solutions to reduce the effect of shade:
Our technicians can help you identify where your roof receives the most sunlight. This allows the panels to be placed in the best possible locations.
Micro-inverters or power optimizers ensure that each solar panel works independently. This means that if one panel is in the shade, the other panels continue to work well. This prevents shade on one panel from affecting the rest of the panels.
By placing the solar panels in different groups (strings), you can better regulate the performance of the panels. This allows you to minimize the impact of shade as much as possible.
