Solar panels on western part of roof?

vpande · Aug 06, 2007 4:52 pm

Hi All,
Our final drawings show solar panels on western part of the roof which was quite confusing to me as I had to pay extra for added panel (to improve efficacy in orientation other than northern as north faces the road) I expected the panels to be on eastern part of the roof . Rang dux-sunpro hws provider and they mentioned that with western orientation the hws will be effective in later part of the day... i.e hot water to use in the night for kids bath and remaining for next morning.. I am not sure if it will be efficient.
any opinions and experiences?

ps- tried to post it on eco-living but it just disappeared

mek · Aug 06, 2007 6:58 pm

vpande, read Positioning your Solar Water Heater from this web page:

http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/t ... l/fs43.htm

I insisted on the panels to be on the north, otherwise what's the point (but I do admit I don't know much about it). Also had an issue with an angle.

vpande · Aug 06, 2007 10:20 pm

thanks Mek,
Tbe website was very informative. I also checked the user manual for the HWS- Dux sunpro. within 45 degrees of north is ok but ours will be exactly 90 degrees to north... I am sure the builder will be getting the installers from the manufacturer to place it in... I will make sure I am there on the day they install the panels.
Which direction have u got yours installed? when is the handover? I think initially one should turn the gas off to check how effective the solar is.. will also need delay start washing machines to do your washing during the day.
cheers

Casa2 · Aug 06, 2007 10:40 pm

vpande,

I would certainly place the solar panels on the northernmost wall. If the council objects to the appearance ask them if they prefer a cleaner looking house or a cleaner environment. I think we need to place panels where they make the most sense. Some effort to make them blend in may be appreciated by the council.

Cheers,
Casa

mek · Aug 07, 2007 8:42 am

vpande, ours will face north just about straight.
The angle I mention is the amount of angle the panels are raised from the roof (or in most cases, the angle of the roof). See, we have panels on flat part of the roof so I had to make sure that they would raise the panels off the roof sufficiently.

I've heard that it's not really possible to see how effective the solar is as the gas kicks in - but my info could be wrong. Have to do more research about it.

We're about 2-3 months away from handover.

I think casa2 is right, try and do north if you can.

3timesbuilda · Aug 07, 2007 9:57 am

Our panel were on the north side, and then suddnely were on the western sde when soem modifications were done. We contacted the builder and they said ooopps!! and spent several weeks doing a redraw witht eh panels on the North side.

Check with your builder. North is best as you get teh most heating from this direction, west may give you late heating, but it will be less overall.