Where is the Best Place to Install Solar Power? Key Points for Site Selection!

Solar power generation is well-known for being environmentally friendly while also providing economic benefits.

However, its efficiency and performance can be greatly affected by the installation location.

If you choose the installation site too easily, there is a higher risk of decreased efficiency or safety issues, so caution is necessary.

That said,

“Where should I install solar panels?”

Many people may be struggling with this question.

In this article, we will explain in detail the locations suitable for solar power generation and the points to consider when selecting an installation site.

5 Ideal Locations for Solar Power Installation

The main locations suitable for solar power installation are the following five:

・Roof
・Rooftop
・Exterior wall
・Parking lot
・Vacant land

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Roof

The roofs of residential and commercial buildings are the most popular locations for solar power installation.

In particular, south-facing sloped roofs can capture sunlight most efficiently, making it easier to enhance cost-effectiveness.

Moreover, about 90% of residential solar power systems are roof-mounted, which is considered to have low transmission losses and high economic efficiency.

Generally, solar power systems can be installed on any type of roof, but they tend to work well with gable roofs, shed roofs, and hipped roofs.

Rooftop

The rooftops of buildings such as apartments, commercial facilities, and factories with flat roofs are also popular locations for solar power installation.

Since panels can be arranged relatively freely, this is ideal if you want to install many panels.

Additionally, compared to installing on the roofs of single-family homes or on land, there tends to be higher efficiency and output, making it recommended for generating a lot of electricity.

Exterior Wall

It is also possible to install solar power systems on exterior walls.

Typically, solar power systems are installed on roofs, rooftops, or vacant land, so the idea of installing them on exterior walls may not be very familiar. However, it can be quite effective in areas with heavy snowfall.

This is because the accumulated snow acts as a reflector, gathering sunlight onto the panels attached to the exterior wall.

When installed on a roof, there is a risk of snow accumulating on the panels, which can decrease output, but this concern does not exist with exterior walls.

However, since you cannot incline the panels like on a roof, there is a possibility that the fundamental output may decrease, so caution is needed.

Parking Lot

It is also possible to install solar power systems in the parking lots of large facilities, including commercial establishments.

When installing solar power systems, the challenge is to make efficient use of the space.

In the case of parking lots, you can share the parking space with the solar power space, allowing for effective use of the area.

However, depending on the strength of the carport, there may be an increased risk of damage due to disasters, so it is especially recommended to have a professional assess it before deciding to install in a personal carport.

Vacant Land

There is an increasing trend to install solar power systems on unused vacant land to make effective use of it.

Since vacant land is also subject to property taxes, leaving it unused for a long time is quite wasteful.

Although initial costs and running costs will be incurred, installing solar power systems can lead to income from selling electricity, making it a promising investment with high cost-effectiveness.

However, if the land is not adjacent to a house, it may be difficult to consume the generated electricity on-site, so caution is necessary.

Points to Consider When Selecting a Solar Power Installation Site

When introducing solar power, it is essential to consider not only whether it can be installed but also the output, safety, and costs.

If you are unsure where to install solar power, check the following points:

・Are there any obstructions to sunlight?
・Can an appropriate slope be created?
・Is the risk of natural disasters low?
・Can it be installed facing south?

Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.

Are there any obstructions to sunlight?

Solar power generation is a device that converts sunlight into electricity.

Therefore, it is essential that the panels receive sufficient sunlight.

The ideal location is one without tall buildings or trees nearby, where sunlight can shine for long periods.

Please be cautious if there are facilities nearby that may block sunlight, as this can reduce power generation efficiency.

・High-rise buildings
・Large trees or forests
・North slopes of mountains
・Tall fences or walls

Can a proper slope be established?

The angle of inclination of solar panels greatly affects power generation efficiency.

Generally, a south-facing angle of 30 degrees is considered ideal, as this orientation and angle allow for efficient sunlight capture throughout the year.

It is important to note that when choosing a location, it is crucial to select a place where a slope can be established, rather than one that is already sloped.

If installed in an extremely sloped area, it can be difficult to stabilize the foundation, increasing the risk of landslides, so please be careful.

Is the risk of natural disasters low?

To operate solar power generation safely, it is important to install it in a location with a low risk of natural disasters.

For example, installing in areas with loose ground or at the foot of a mountain increases the likelihood of collapse due to earthquakes or landslides.

Additionally, if installed near the sea, the risk of salt damage must also be considered.

Since solar power generation is equipment installed outdoors, it cannot completely shut out the effects of natural disasters, but it is advisable to choose locations with minimal risks.

Can it be installed facing south?

Solar power generation is typically installed facing south.

When the power generation amount facing south is considered 100%, the amounts for southwest and southeast are about 96%, which is sufficient for power generation.

On the other hand, when facing north, the power generation amount drops to about 60%, which may reduce efficiency.

If that happens, even if a significant investment is made for installation, it may not yield sufficient cost-effectiveness, so be sure to check the orientation of the installation site and any obstacles on the south side.

Points to consider when installing solar power generation

The points to consider when installing solar power generation are as follows.

・A certain area is required
・When installing on a roof, load-bearing capacity must be considered
・Reinforcement work tends to be costly

Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.

A certain area is required

When introducing solar power generation, a certain area must be secured.

For example, when installing on a gable roof or a single-pitched roof, an area 7 to 8 times the capacity of the solar panels is required.

This installation standard is clearly defined by the government, and generally, a space of at least 300mm around the solar panels is required.

Therefore, once you find a candidate location for solar power generation, the first thing to check is whether there is sufficient space.

If you are unsure, it is recommended to have a professional contractor take a look.

When installing on a roof, load-bearing capacity must be considered

In recent years, solar panels have become lighter.

However, they are still relatively large equipment, so they have considerable weight.

When installed on the ground, there is little need to worry about the weight of the panels, but caution is necessary when installing on a roof.

If the load exceeds the roof’s capacity, the risk of damage or collapse increases.

Additionally, in heavy snowfall areas, it is necessary to design with the possibility of snow accumulation on the roof in mind.

The roof is the most important part of a house, so it is essential to ensure safety when installing.

Reinforcement work tends to be costly

The weight of a single solar panel is about 15kg.

Therefore, depending on the location, such as on a residential roof, it may not be able to withstand the weight, leading to damage or reduced seismic resistance.

In such cases, it is necessary to carry out reinforcement work to increase strength; however, reinforcement work incurs additional costs, making the total cost more likely to increase.

Therefore, especially when installing solar panels as an afterthought, it is important to check whether reinforcement work is necessary. If it is required, let’s obtain a quote to confirm the total cost.

If you are considering the installation of solar panels, please consult Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.

Our company handles a variety of exterior renovations, including solar panels, from roofing work to exterior wall work in Aoba-ku, Yokohama.
We have received many requests from customers, including renovation companies and real estate agencies, who have contacted us!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. promises “high-quality renovations at low cost”, and we have received positive feedback from numerous customers.
We continue to update our construction performance records every year, and we will strive to improve quality to satisfy even more customers in the future.

“I want to know about recommended solar panels”, “I want to keep costs down as much as possible”, “I just want a quote for now”, we will provide optimal solutions for your specific requests.
We will never propose unnecessary work that prioritizes profit!
We always stand in our customers’ shoes and propose the best construction plans!

We are confident that we will not be outdone by other companies in terms of cost, quality, and efficiency in exterior work!
We welcome competitive quotes as we are confident in our services!

Conclusion

To maximize the effectiveness of solar power generation, it is important to carefully choose the installation location.

Generally, it can be installed in various locations such as roofs, vacant land, exterior walls, and parking lots; however, the efficiency of power generation and costs can vary greatly depending on the conditions, so let’s consult with a contractor to find the optimal location.

If you are considering the introduction of solar power generation in Kanagawa Prefecture or the Tokyo area, please consult “Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.”

Our skilled craftsmen, with extensive experience in solar panel installation, will provide advice on installation locations and proposals tailored to your budget.

 

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