Applying Reverse Tilt to Solar Panels in OpenSolar

Summary

This article explains how to use the Reverse Tilt feature in OpenSolar to optimize panel placement on roofs with less ideal orientations. You will learn how to apply reverse tilt and adjust panel spacing to prevent shading issues.

Table of contents:

Adding tilt to the solar panel

Optimize Spacing to Avoid Shading

FAQs

Additional Resources

Adding tilt to the solar panel

To place a solar panel on the roof begin by selecting the + panel option and drawing the panels on the roof. 

Once the panels are placed, navigate to the module settings by clicking on the panel group. In the Basic Settings section, select the single tilt option.

Ensure that Single Tilt is selected as the racking type in the module settings.

To reverse the tilt, enter a negative value for the tilt angle. For example, if the roof has a slope of 19.4 degrees, setting the tilt to -19.4° will align the panels flat against the roof.

Increasing the negative tilt further, such as to -44°, will cause the panels to tilt upwards in the opposite direction, enhancing their exposure to sunlight coming from a different angle.

Optimize Spacing to Avoid Shading

Reverse tilting increases the risk of inter-row shading. To mitigate this, follow these steps to adjust the spacing between rows:

• Click on the panel group you want to adjust.
• Navigate to the Advanced Settings section.
• Locate the Row Spacing option and increase the distance depending on the tilt angles and roof configuration.

This adjustment will help reduce shading and improve overall system efficiency by ensuring adequate sunlight reaches each panel.

FAQs

1. Can reverse tilt be applied to all panel types?
Yes, the reverse tilt feature can be applied to all types of panels in OpenSolar.

2. Does reverse tilt affect the system's overall efficiency?
Reverse tilt can improve efficiency for roofs with suboptimal orientations by allowing the panels to better capture sunlight. However, proper spacing must be maintained to avoid shading between rows, which could otherwise reduce efficiency. Be mindful of local regulations and engineering limitations when choosing tilt angles.

3. Can reverse tilt be designed on flat roofs?
Yes, reverse tilt can be designed on flat roofs as well, particularly when designing a system that needs to capture sunlight from a non-standard direction. You can adjust the tilt angles as needed for optimal exposure.

4. Is there a maximum tilt angle for reverse tilt?
While there is no specific maximum, reverse tilt should be applied carefully to avoid excessive shading or structural concerns. Be mindful of local regulations and engineering limitations when choosing tilt angles.

Additional Resources

Designing with OpenSolar: 1. Training: New to OpenSolar