The solution in this example is of
course, to tilt the panel by 60° so
that it captures all the sunlight:
Solar Panel Top Tips
• If you use a crystalline panel, don’t forget that even the shadow of a
thin wire can make a difference to the power output. Make sure as
many cells as possible are in full sun.
• Solar panels will work behind glass, but with limitations. They are
designed for direct sunlight, so if you put a panel behind glass or a
plastic window its efficiency will be reduced. It may take up to three
times as long to provide the same charge to a battery if you put the
panel behind a window, even if it’s in full sun.
• If you invest in a solar panel, make sure it’s positioned to take
advantage of the midday sun, which is the strongest. This is almost
directly overhead in summer, but lower in the southern part of the sky
at other times of the year. Angling your panel towards the sun will
increase the energy it generates outside of the summer months.
• The power you generate from your solar panel will only be as good as
the condition of your units battery, so it’s worth looking after your
devise
• The power generated by a solar panel is direct current (DC), so if you
want to use it to power something that would normally plug into a
home-style three-pin 230V socket you’ll need to convert it to
alternating current (AC). For this you’ll need an inverter.
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