The world is moving towards a greener future. One of the key elements of this shift is the widespread adoption of renewable energy. Solar energy is one such renewable energy source that is growing in popularity due to its environmentally friendly and cost-effective nature. This solar energy is harnessed with the help of solar panels. Photovoltaic systems are versatile and scalable. As a result, they can be installed on a variety of surfaces, including walls, roofs and the ground.
What if you can’t install solar panels on your roof and don’t have enough roof space? This is where wall-mounted solar panels come into play, imagine turning the sides of a building or even the walls of your home into a power generating surface! But are they the right choice for you? In this article, we will delve into information about wall-mounted solar panels.
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What is a Wall-mounted Solar Panels?
A wall-mounted solar panel is a type of installation that is mounted on the exterior wall of a building, which is not mounted on the roof as is traditionally done. This installation is aesthetically pleasing and saves space on the roof.
This installation method is suitable for those who cannot install or have limited roof installation conditions. But it is worth noting that because the wall-mounted solar panel is not facing the sky, it can not collect much sunlight, which requires extra wait for me to install the bracket and accessories.
Why Wall-mount?
We’re going to get back to the basics of why someone would want to put solar panels on the wall and not on the roof in the usual way. Vertical wall mounted solar panels also have their reason for existence.
First, it can save space. Because not every user has a large, open roof, some people may be filled with other things on the roof, or full of suitable solar panels, there is no room for them. On the other hand, walls can provide a space free enough to absorb sunlight.
Second, it can look more beautiful. Most of the time, we are concerned about how our house or building looks on the outside. There is a lot of room for wall-hanging, in terms of shape and word choice. Wall-mounted solar panels can make our homes more aesthetically pleasing, and it can be a stylish addition to a place that makes it look both modern and eco-friendly.
Third, it solves the problems of people without a roof. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a roof, it’s not the only option, some roofs don’t support the panels enough, or there are too many shades to install solar panels. Walls are a good choice, especially if they get plenty of sunlight.
So, in short, wall-mounted solar panels play an important role like green energy. They are space-saving, flexible, aesthetically pleasing and can be installed in locations where roofing panels cannot be installed.
Can Solar Panels be Mounted on The Wall?
Of course. Mounting solar panels on wall. You’ve probably seen those shiny solar panels on rooftops, and they’re everywhere now. Although the cost of rooftop solar panels tends to be lower, wall-mounted solar panels can still be a convenient way for homeowners to benefit from solar energy.
It can be mounted in a variety of ways and can be mounted parallel, tilted at an Angle or suspended as a canopy. This is a very good option for properties where the roof is not suitable for solar panels and solves a lot of problems, whether because of poor structural integrity or too much shade.
Tilting a solar panel at an Angle is usually the best way to ensure it gets enough sunlight. The best Angle for solar panels is between 20 and 50 degrees, which is difficult to achieve when solar panels are mounted on the wall, even if there is a tilt. If available, wall-mounted panels should be tilted at a 60 degree Angle, which is the best Angle to capture sunlight when the sun is low in the sky.
It is best to place wall-mounted solar panels on a south-facing wall, as this will expose them to the most direct sunlight throughout the day.
Therefore, although it is possible to mount solar panels on the wall, it is not ideal. You’re also unlikely to install as many solar panels on your walls as you would on your roof, which means they won’t generate as much power as a roof-mounted system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wall-mounted Solar Panels
Advantages of wall-mounted solar panels
Solar panels on vertical walls can make a house more aesthetically pleasing, and it can be a stylish front end, making a place look both modern and eco-friendly.Could allow people to introduce more green energy into their homes, although they won’t use as much energy as rooftop panels. Even if their roofs aren’t strong enough to install solar panels. They can also provide supplemental energy if a homeowner is running low on panel space on their roof.
Wall-mounted panels are also easier to clean and maintain than rooftop panels. Their steep Angle means they don’t collect as much dust, debris, and other falling trash.
Another benefit of having a steep Angle is that it means that wall-mounted panels work better in winter, when the sun is low in the sky, than roof-mounted panels.
Disadvantages of wall-mounted solar panels
Under normal circumstances, wall-mounted solar panels do not generate as much electricity throughout the year as rooftop mounted systems. Especially in the summer, when the sun stays in the sky for a longer period of time.
Although wall-mounted solar panels come in handy in winter because of their steep Angle, it can affect performance for the rest of the year.
Wall-mounted solar panels are also more expensive to install than roof-mounted systems because they require additional sturdy anchors to maintain a strong connection. Installers may also have easier access to roofs, especially on flat roofs where they can walk around.
It’s also worth remembering that most properties are unlikely to have a complete set of solar panels on the wall, as a three-bedroom house typically requires 10.
What Features are Best Suited For Wall-mounted Solar Panels?
The properties best suited for wall-mounted solar panels are those with large walls of south-facing houses that are not covered by any shade. South-facing panels are exposed to sunlight throughout the day, which is especially handy for wall-mounted solar panels, whose performance is already hampered by their limited Angle.
It is also important to have walls large enough to accommodate as many solar panels as possible, and solar panels need to be mounted on top of the walls to get the maximum amount of sunlight. In general, no matter how big the wall is, it is unlikely to be large enough to install enough solar panels to meet all of a home’s energy needs. Typically only two to four panels can be installed, while the average home needs 10 panels to fully meet its energy needs.
Buildings also need to be structurally sound in order to install wall-mounted solar panels, and if you live in a protected building, you may not be suitable for wall-mounted solar panels because it will affect the appearance of the building too much.
Some countries with high latitudes near the equator, such as Britain. This type of property is more suitable for wall-mounted solar panels. This is because wall-mounted solar panels work best when the sun is low in the sky, and winter conditions in high-latitude countries will be longer.
Wall Mounted Solar Panel Maintenance and Care
Solar panels on the wall are great, but like anything else you own, you need to give them a little love and care. Don’t worry, it doesn’t take much effort. Here’s my list of things to know:
Clean care: Over time, panels can become dusty, splintered, or dirty, so they can’t absorb more sunlight. At this point, we need to gently clean them with water and a soft cloth every once in a while, just like washing a car!
Check for shade: Trees will grow taller next to your house, blocking out some of the sun’s rays. We want to make sure that nothing casts a shadow on the panel and blocks the precious sunlight. If something gets in the way, we may need to trim the branches or make some adjustments.
Look for small visitors: Birds, bugs, and other creatures may think your panel is a good place to hang out. We need to check every now and then to make sure that no nests or hives have formed.
Stay connected: Wires and connections can become loose, especially during strong winds or large storms. A quick check every now and then to make sure everything is plugged in can save you a lot of trouble.
Also, if you’re not sure about something, or your panel doesn’t seem to be working the way it used to. Don’t worry, you can call a solar professional to see and they will know what to do. Remember, the better you take care of your solar panels, the better they will take care of you. A little maintenance can keep everything sunny!
What’s The Difference Between Rooftop and Wall-mounted Solar Systems?
Roof – and ground-mounted solar PV modules generate more electricity than wall-mounted installations. There are reasons for this, the first is that wall-mounted solar panels have to face high slopes, and the second is that they are installed closer to the ground.
It is mainly in the winter that the power generation of wall-mounted systems peaks, which is because the sun begins to set lower in the sky. This makes the Angle of the sun’s rays perfectly aligned with the slope of the wall-mounted solar panel. But in the summer, when the sun is high in the sky, rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems generate more power than wall-mounted systems. In addition, if you are moving further and slowly towards the equator, it is necessary to install a wall-mounted system in your home. Because as the sun slowly moves toward lower latitudes, the sun begins to set lower and absorb more sunlight.
A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that wall-mounted solar panels are an efficient and cost-effective way to generate electricity. The study analyzed the performance of wall-mounted solar photovoltaic panels and compared them to roof-mounted photovoltaic panels. The results show that the performance of wall-mounted solar panels is slightly lower due to occlusion and environmental factors. But overall, the performance of both systems is the same.
How do We Install a Wall-mounted System?
When installing wall-mounted solar photovoltaic panels, we first need to check the adaptability of the walls of the house. The walls must be strong enough to support the weight of the panels. Wall-mounted system require the use of special hardware kits. The problem with wall-mounted systems is that they have to overcome gravity to stay in place.
As a result, the installation process requires a large amount of additional materials, including additional brackets, nuts, bolts, washers and, of course, additional labor. These wall-mounted brackets provide additional grip to the wall-mounted solar panels, ultimately preventing them from falling in extreme weather conditions. So, avoiding any future disasters is our goal.
Conclusion
Wall-mounted solar panels play an important role in a green and sustainable future. They not only use the sun’s light to convert electricity, so as to reduce carbon emissions, but also through the effective use of space, so that the solar system can be used in more and more occasions. Although the installation of wall-mounted solar panels needs to overcome many challenges, its performance in extreme weather conditions and long-lasting properties are very consistent with the concept of sustainable development.
Investing in Solar panels is a forward-looking decision, and if you are ready to install solar panels to save money on your electricity bill using renewable energy, you can contact us at GYCX Solar. A green and sustainable future is the common goal of all mankind. Let us work together to advance human society towards a greener future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is vertical solar panel installation easier to maintain?
Solar panels mounted on walls are easier to maintain than those mounted on roofs. Typically, wall-mounted solar panels are located within reach of a ladder, making maintenance or cleaning easier.
Are wall-mounted solar panels more expensive than rooftop installations?
The cost of solar panels and installation is determined by several factors, including your location, the characteristics of your home, the product technology you choose, and the actual installation process. Solar will undoubtedly save you money in the long run. In the short term, in many cases, you will need to make an investment or loan payment similar to your current electricity bill.
Can I combine wall panels with roof panels?
Yes you can. Many homeowners and businesses use both to maximize solar production.
Will wall-mounted panels increase the value of my property?
A lot of the time, yes! Solar installations can boost property values, especially as more and more people seek environmentally friendly housing solutions.
