Solar panels are undoubtedly the vanguard of renewable energy technology. With a strategic west-facing installation at your home, not only will you help reduce your carbon emissions, but you'll also unlock significant gains in energy production and savings. In this article, we'll delve into why west-facing solar panels have an edge over their south-facing counterparts, why the orientation of the panels makes a big difference, and how time-of-use (TOU) rates come into play.
The Significance of Solar Panel Alignment
The alignment of your solar panels plays a critical role in how much sunlight they can absorb, and hence, how much energy they can generate. Fine-tuning the placement and orientation of your panels helps you collect the most sunlight, boosting your energy output. While the common practice in the northern hemisphere is to face the panels southward, recent studies suggest that west-facing panels might be more efficient in specific circumstances.
Perks of West-facing Solar Panels
If your home's electricity consumption dips during the day, west-facing solar panels are particularly beneficial. These panels can generate an extra 10% of electricity during the early evening, aligning perfectly with peak energy rates. West-facing panels let you seize the power of the afternoon sun, soften the blow of high TOU rates, and increase your energy storage capacity.
TOU Rates and the Connection with Panel Positioning
TOU rates fluctuate based on your location and the season, but generally, they charge more for electricity during peak consumption hours. Positioning your solar panels to soak up the maximum sunlight during these peak periods lets you mitigate high electricity costs and decrease your dependency on the traditional grid.
Consider California, for example. Since late 2017, its three major utility companies have been levying peak TOU rates between 4-9 PM. Homeowners with westward solar panels can harness more electricity during these high-cost hours, lowering their energy bills and enhancing their energy autonomy. Peak energy usage has historically been between 11 AM and 6 PM, but the rise of solar power has pushed this peak into early evening, as illustrated by the "duck curve". This shift in peak pricing is designed to promote efficient energy use during these hours.
Enhancing Energy Storage with West-facing Solar Panels
Using a battery to store the electricity generated during daytime can be another strategy to optimize your solar power usage. This stored energy is particularly valuable during peak consumption periods, typically in the evenings. If you start using your battery later in the day, you have the chance to profit by selling any surplus energy back to the grid. For instance, if your solar panels power your home from 4 PM to 6 PM and you use the battery from 6 PM to 8 PM, any excess energy (let's say 20 kWh in September) can be sold back to the grid.
In Conclusion
Installing solar panels on the west side of your home offers remarkable benefits in terms of energy production, savings on your electricity bills, and the potential to earn revenue from surplus energy. By carefully managing the alignment and orientation of your panels and incorporating energy storage, you can make the most out of your solar setup. It's crucial to remember that while south-facing panels are often recommended, west-facing panels can be a more efficient choice in certain situations, particularly for homeowners who use less electricity during the day.