Graduate solar power generation direction

Can I get a graduate certificate in solar energy?

In addition to the Graduate Certificate in Solar Energy being an excellent stand-alone credential, all of the courses can be applied toward the Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (MPS-RESS) degree program, also offered online through Penn State World Campus:

Which direction should solar panels go?

As a general rule, the optimal direction for solar panels in the northern hemisphere is south. And in the southern hemisphere, the direction is north. So, the optimal direction for solar panels in the entire United States is south. The optimal tilt angle for fixed solar panels, as per a rule of thumb, is equal to the latitude of your location.

What is the future of solar energy?

The Future of Solar Energy considers only the two widely recognized classes of technologies for converting solar energy into electricity — photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP), sometimes called solar thermal) — in their current and plausible future forms.

What is the tilt angle of solar panels in San Diego?

For example, San Diego is at 32.71° N, so the tilt angle in San Diego is 33°. Twice adjusted solar panels have to reorient twice a year, from March to August and from September to February. The direction might be the same or different for both half-years, but the tilt angle is always different.

What factors affect the orientation of solar panels?

There are two factors in the orientation. The first is the direction, and the second is the tilt angle. Both are independent but vital parts in optimizing orientation for solar panels. The direction is calculated using the azimuth angle of the sun, which is simply a directional measure of the sun in the sky.

Why is solar panel orientation important?

Your solar panel orientation is an important part of the sizing of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. Since solar power produced is directly proportional to the orientation of solar panels, the right orientation can not only maximize solar power but also decreases the cost of the project.