Top 5 Factors to Consider When Siting a Solar Array

Summary: Selecting the right site for your solar array is essential for maximizing its energy production and efficiency as well as your long-term savings. Sunlight exposure, available space, roof condition, climate, and local regulations are all factors in selecting the site for your solar energy system.

Thinking about installing a solar energy system at your home or business? Congrats! It’s one of the smartest investments you can make for your property. Before you can enjoy clean, renewable power and lower your energy bills, though, you should check with a trusted solar installer to help make the decision that will make or break the efficiency of your system: where your solar panels will go. 

Siting a solar array is a top factor in determining the efficiency of your system, and ultimately your satisfaction with it. The right site can dramatically increase efficiency, lower your costs, and maximize the long-term performance of the entire solar energy system. 

So, how do you select the best site for your system? Here are five factors to keep in mind when selecting the best site for your solar array:

1. Sunlight Exposure

Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate power efficiently, so you want to choose a site with unobstructed exposure to the sun for most of the day. And, the ideal array is oriented toward the south, but east-west configurations can also work well.

When the TruNorth Solar team views or visits your property, we check for tall trees, chimneys, neighboring buildings, and the like, that may cast shadows on a potential solar array site. We use various tools to estimate if the site gets consistent sunlight year-round, and we’ll take a look at the angle of your roof, to help you determine the ideal spot for your array.

2. Roof or Ground Space

The space available ultimately determines the size (and therefore power output) of your solar energy system. Even if space is limited, smaller systems can still offset a portion of your electricity use, which is why rooftop arrays are a great option if your roof is large, open, and structurally sound. 
A ground-mounted array may be best if your roof is shaded or unsuitable for solar, but it does require yard space or open land. Ground-mounted arrays allow us to get the optimal tilt on the panels and are easy to maintain.

3. Roof Condition and Structural Integrity

If you’re considering a rooftop array, make sure your roof is in good shape before you install panels. Your panels will likely last up to 25 years, so we all want to be confident your roof will last that long, too. If you plan to replace your roof soon, it would be a good idea to do so before adding solar panels. 

The TruNorth Solar team can evaluate whether your roof is in good enough condition to handle the additional load of solar panels. We’ll also note the material of your roof, as shingles and metal have different installation considerations. 

4. Local Environment

The local environmental conditions at your property can, surprisingly, affect the performance and maintenance requirements of your solar energy system. If your roof collects leaves or you notice pollen and dust accumulating in certain areas, you might want to reconsider the array’s location, as this may cause the need to regularly maintain your panels to ensure they are able to collect sunlight efficiently. 

Although solar works great in the Midwest, Minnesota’s snowy winters and hot summers can also be factors in your site selection. Tilting your panels so they shed snow will ensure they continue to work through the winter, while high-quality panels and inverters will be able to handle our hot, muggy summers. 

5. Local Regulations and Utility Policies

Did you know your town or city might have something to say about the siting of your solar energy system? Permits, zoning, and utility policies can all influence where and how you install your solar array. So can your HOA and local building code. TruNorth Solar is familiar with all local regulations and utility policies and will help you navigate the paperwork to ensure compliance and keep your project on time and on budget.

Choosing the right site for your solar array is setting your system up for success. By considering sunlight exposure, space, roof condition, local environment, and regulations, you’ll set yourself up for decades of efficient, reliable, and cost-saving solar power. 

Ready to explore your solar options with TruNorth Solar? Schedule a professional site assessment with our local, licensed team today. We’d love to chat or stop by to evaluate your property and recommend your best options for maximizing clean, renewable energy at your home or business.