Will Solar Power Work in My Location?

Solar power is a versatile source of energy that works well in a wide range of locations. Ideally, solar panels should be exposed to full sun for at least a portion of the day to gather and store power. Solar power is a viable source of energy throughout the 48 American states and in the southernmost regions of Canada. Placement of solar panels is just as important as your location when determining an answer to will solar work in my location?

For instance, residents throughout Alaska rely on solar power for some of their energy needs with excellent results. The amount of sunlight that you receive can be optimized by placing your solar panels on a south facing, sloped surface or by opting for a south facing solar panel that moves with the sun throughout the day. The available energy from the Sun averages about 1,000 watts per square meter on sunny day. Full sun provides the most energy but your solar panels will also collect power on cloudy days, although at a lower rate than when placed in full sun.

Will solar work in my location is a question that can best be answered by looking at the average power produced by solar panels. A standard crystalline solar cell can generate up to 160 watts per square meter of surface area on sunny days. More solar panels, and more square meters of surface area to convert energy, means more power for your home. Most people relying solely on solar energy for their power opt for a full solar system that can produce ample amounts of energy.

You don’t necessarily need to live in a hot, sunny climate to benefit from the power of solar panels. Will solar work in my location is best answered by evaluating your home’s energy needs then working to choose a solar system that meets those needs based on your local climate and hours of sunlight received per day. You can visit the Residential Solar Guide to learn more about how many full sun hours are available in your region or you can contact us to help you design a solar system for your region.

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