Tree Shading Solar Panels

Complaints are arising from an obscure state law known as the solar shade control act.

Tree shading solar panels.

It protects homeowners investments in solar panels which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A tree planted 50 feet from the house decreases solar gain more than one planted 100 feet from the house because it shades more of the house. As solar continues to grow trees shading solar installations is becoming more and more of a problem. Allow for the tree s root growth and canopy spread when.

Trees and buildings or other landscape features such as hills can block incoming radiation and cast a shadow reducing the usable solar radiation. Combine that with the tree shading and those panels will probably lose about half their energy yield compared to unshaded north facing panels. However as we outline below proper tree placement and pruning can allow solar panels to function in proximity to shade trees. California s solar shade control act.

Only a handful of areas such as california wisconsin and ashland oregon have shading specific solar laws. Most states have few if any solar access laws especially in regards to shading from trees. Researchers are aware of the problem and are looking for ways to boost productivity in shady conditions. Scott anders taylor day and carolyn adi kuduk 2010 hey your tree is shading my solar panels.

But i d definitely consider putting some more panels on the little second north facing roof. Journal of sustainable real estate. There s no denying that solar panels do not operate as well under shade.