Solar panel efficiency?

ask the guys at SolarPowerRocks.com they have a lot of knowledge on this subject.

I second that link provided. The idea behind having multiple angles is that you want to have the best access to direct sunlight, which changes throughout the year, and more drastically in some areas than in others.

As far as overall efficiency is concerned, solar panels are not very efficient when it comes to how much is usable energy compared to how much hits the panel. There are new panels out there however that are much more efficient then ones made 10–15 years ago. Every little bit counts though, right?

No they are suppose to be at a specific angle facing a southern direction. I forgot the exact angle.

If you’ve ever seen a movie or tv show where they talk about the solar panels in the desert, you might notice that the solar panel farms all have servos on them in order to move the direction of the panel in order to harvest the most energy. I’m willing to bet that the energy they loose from turning on those motors to move the panels, they gain back through keeping the power intake optimized.

You do loose quite a bit of power because the roof is static and does not move. But, because it doesn’t move, if was any other shape it would probably get about as much power. As long as you have a full open view to the sun from the roof, you’ll probably be ok.

I wouldn’t take my word for it. I’d check with the pros like these guys have suggested.