Does My Property Get Enough Sun for Solar Panels?

Sunlight is available in most areas of Pakistan throughout the day. The cloudy, foggy days with smog are very few on average. Solar power systems can help in saving up but only when the system is working properly. It also includes that there needs to be sunlight on the solar panels throughout the day to use solar power more and grid electricity less.

Does My Property Get Enough Sun for Solar

Panels?

However, as house sizes are decreasing and residential apartments are becoming a new trend in major cities of Pakistan, it is difficult to install solar panels where they can easily have sunlight throughout the day.

Determining whether your property gets enough sunlight for solar panels in Pakistan involves evaluating various factors related to sunlight exposure. The following are some significant aspects to consider:

Sunlight Duration:

Pakistan generally receives abundant sunlight, especially in regions like Punjab, Sindh, and Baluchistan. The number of peak sun hours (hours during which the sunlight intensity is 1 kW/m²) is a crucial factor. Sunlight is at peak from 11 am to 3 pm, all through the year. Solar panels are most effective when they receive direct sunlight for several hours a day. Ideally, your property should receive at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight to make solar panels a viable option. Otherwise, the investment in solar power systems is not a good option.

Roof Orientation and Tilt:

The orientation of your roof and its tilt angle play a significant role in harnessing solar energy. In the northern hemisphere, including Pakistan, south-facing roofs receive the most sunlight throughout the day. However, solar panels can still be effective on east- or west-facing roofs, though their efficiency might be slightly lower. The tilt angle of the panels should also match your geographical latitude for optimal energy generation.

It is better to have solar panels which can be rotated manually according to the Sun. As they can easily be moved around, production efficiency will also increase. This productivity may not be achieved by fixed tilt of panels.

Shading:

Evaluate the amount of shading your property receives throughout the day. Trees, nearby buildings, or other obstructions can cast shadows on your roof, significantly reducing the efficiency of solar panels.

If shading is a concern, consider trimming or removing obstructing trees or installing solar panel optimizers or micro-inverters that can mitigate the impact of shading.

Climate and Weather Patterns:

Consider the local climate and weather patterns. While most of Pakistan is generally sunny, regions with frequent dust storms or heavy air pollution might require more frequent cleaning of solar panels to maintain their efficiency. Dust on the solar panels prevent them from performing on their best level.

Frequent cleaning of the solar panels must be done to ensure the high productivity of the panels. If this is not the case, you should think again to invest in installing solar panels as it will be more expensive and less saving will be done in this way.

Additionally, extreme heat can affect the efficiency of solar panels, so it’s important to choose panels that can withstand high temperatures.

Available Space:

Assess the available space on your property for solar panel installation. If your roof doesn’t have enough space, ground-mounted solar installations might be an option, provided you have ample space in your yard or land.

Installation must be done where it is easily accessible to clean and maintain and in case the panels have to be moved manually. Most people give up their garden’s small plants which are for decor only and choose to install panels if they do not have enough space.

Professional Solar Assessment:

The most accurate way to determine the solar potential of your property is to have a professional solar installer conduct a site assessment. They use specialized tools and software to analyze the sunlight exposure, shading issues, and other factors specific to your location, providing you with a detailed report on the feasibility of solar panel installation. They have a great experience in matters like these.

Pro-tip:

All through the world, solar energy has proved to be a beneficial and profitable investment. But it is better to install solar panels in the winter when the days are short and the shadows can be much longer. The users can have a better idea of how much sun is going to shine on the panels.

But before making a decision, it’s essential to consult with local solar providers or energy experts like Bright Energy. They can assess your property and provide customized recommendations based on the unique characteristics of your location, ensuring that you make an informed choice about installing solar panels.