Solar panels should face true south, not magnetic south. Use NOAA's magnetic declination calculator to find your local value and adjust accordingly. . One of the most common mistakes in solar panel installation is confusing magnetic south (what your compass shows) with true south (the actual geographic direction). This distinction is critical because: To find true south for your location: For example, if you're in Denver, Colorado, with a. . The installation of a solar photovoltaic system involves many design choices, and the direction the panels face is one of the most fundamental. Maximizing sunlight absorption, 2. Arrays that are appropriately oriented can improve energy output by up to 30% or more 2. Why South, Anyway? In Northern Hemisphere locations, including. .
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