Solar panel Layout

Skintsaver

Hello, so I've recieved the lay out for my Solar layout. I'm not convinced it looks right and must be a better way. They say the yellow line represents a 450mm edge which should be around the whole array. 



So I've came up my own designs on paper, I've scaled these as accuratley as I can.


Option 1 This is theirs which I'm not convinced off

Option 2 I'd prefer this but would the corner of the lhs panel be too close to the edge? 

Option 3. Again will the corner be too much of a over lap? 


Option 4. Possibly better as will. Provide more output, but there's a reason why they've only selected 3 panels, plus would this look odd in real life? Plus a slight overhang would this make it unacceptable? 


Option 5 this is a take on their layout but turned 90d, within all boundaries but to me looks better than their proposed layout.

I think I've covered all ways but what layout do you think may look Best? 

Skintsaver

That's my roof lhs if that helps

2nd_time_buyer

I would question the 450mm gap 

When we installed ours, I checked the manufacturer specifications for the mounting systems. The minimum gap recommended was between 200 and 300mm. I can't recall any saying 450mm.

Our gap is 200mm in places. Despite the winds earlier in the year removing all the ridge tiles on a different section of roof. The panels were fine.

2nd_time_buyer

... and you certainly don't need a 450mm gap on the right hand side.

I think you must be pretty close to being able to fit 5 panels on there.

Aesthetically, option 2 would look best. IMO the others are much of a muchness. Option 2 may also be better in terms of shading from the chimney.

Don't forget there is meant to be a (20mm) expansion gap around the panels. Although for a small array like yours it may not be too significant as one side of the panel will be "free".

Reed_Richards

I think you are worrying too much about aesthetics and not enough about shading from the chimney.  If the panels form a single "string" then shading of one panel will bring down the performance of the entire string.  So you may need "optimisers" which add significantly to the cost.

Alnat1

What direction does your roof face?

Your property line is from the middle of the chimney I'm assuming?. I don't think there is a rule about 200-300m from that. Could 3 panels fit portrait along the lower roof, going closer to your property line with a 4th panel landscape above?

I wouldn't worry about what looks better, it's what works best that matters.

Heedtheadvice

I agree with Reed and Alnat1.

Ignore asthetics and go for max number of panels hou can afford consistent with dealing with that shading problem.

Rather than go for a single plain string, you will get more output overall with optimisers or microinverters though the initial cost of that will be higher.

I guess that is a recent photo i.e. summer so shading will be much worse spring, autumn and winter potentially really affecting output if a single string so impact of that far outways (in my opinion) any minor changes to layout and looks!

Martyn1981

Hiya. Just to say, not all panels are the same size, though they don't vary too much. Looking up 'STP410s' from your pics, I find the Suntech panels which have dimensions of 1,134mm width & 1,724mm height.

You should be able to find some panels that are a bit smaller, perhaps 1,050mm+ by 1,650mm+. These will probably be less powerful, but might (sorry if I'm misleading you), just might give you some added flexibility when deciding on layout.

[Edit - Just thought, that if you go to the boundary, then perhaps 3 taller panels portrait, around 2m, might work?]

PS, totally agree with others that 450mm edging seems a bit extreme, I've heard 200mm. Also no need for the gap on the boundary, just stay a bit away from the property line to avoid any neighbourly concerns.

Martyn1981

Doh! Been so many years since I mentioned these that I forgot, but there used to be triangular PV panels for this very problem (hip roofs).

No idea if they are still trading - Trienergia

Skintsaver

Thanks for your advices so far.

I forgot to mention that I'm getting this 100% funded by a grant so have little say in what goes in. 

They're installing 3 panels facing west and 3 facing east. With these panels I should have a nearly 2.5kw system. With 2 solis inverters. 

I've spoken to the company and they're going to see what looks best on the day with my input. But they seemed pretty definite on the 450 boundary. 

Atheistic is quite important to me, more so on the front roof as its possibly a more promenent roof along our road. 

2nd_time_buyer

Skintsaver said:

Thanks for your advices so far.

I forgot to mention that I'm getting this 100% funded by a grant so have little say in what goes in. 

They're installing 3 panels facing west and 3 facing east. With these panels I should have a nearly 2.5kw system. With 2 solis inverters. 

I've spoken to the company and they're going to see what looks best on the day with my input. But they seemed pretty definite on the 450 boundary. 

Atheistic is quite important to me, more so on the front roof as its possibly a more promenent roof along our road. 

In which case, the main price of advice that will have an effect is the suggestion of optimises (e.g. Tigo). Without them, the shade from the chimney could have a significant effect on output.

I would go back to them and ask them where the 450 mm figure comes from, particularly on the right hand side which isn't even a roof edge. If they can be bit flexible on that then your Option 2 looks like a winner.