The Hack My Solar Podcast

Yesterday we spoke about different options for mounting a solar array. Today we are going to dive deeper into ground mount systems and talk specifically about some of the considerations one would need to take when siting a ground mount system in order to get the most optimum solar exposure.   The nice thing about ground-mounted systems is they can be optimally-aligned with respect to both their southern orientation and their tilt angle. I use a tool called PVWatts in order to look at the different options for azimuth and what kind of impact that will have over the course of the year. In my area, a more Southwesterly orientation is better than due south when looking at overall system production. Where I live, if I were grid ties, I would have my panels facing about 220 degrees, or 40 degrees off due south. However since I am more concerned with when I get my energy than squeezing every watt our of daily production, we aren't pointing at 220 degrees. When I get up in the morning I work many times from my upsta