| A number of factors relating to the physical location and surroundings of your home or building will affect the performance of your solar system. Building Energy will perform a site visit to determine the most effective location and system type for your particular site. Here are some site requirements for solar success.
Access to Sunlight: To be most effective, the PV modules must have a clear “view” of the sun for most or all of the day.
Orientation: The ideal orientation for mounting a solar system is facing true south at an angle that is perpendicular to the angle of the sun on the horizon. Building Energy will work with you to identify the ideal mounting location at your site, whether roof mounted or ground mounted.
Space Requirements: The amount of space that a PV system needs depends on the size of the system you purchase. Some residential systems require as little as 50 square feet (for a small “starter” system), but others may need as much as 1,000 square feet. Commercial systems are typically larger. PV modules are available in a range of types, and degrees of efficiency per square foot.
Roof Type and Condition: Your roof type will affect the module selection and mounting approach. Also, if your roofing material needs to be replaced in the near future, you may want to do that at the same time the system is installed to avoid having to remove and reinstall your PV system in the near future.
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