However, you'll get the basic idea of sizing, and by inputting wind or hydro ratings instead of solar module ratings in the appropriate places on the following workforms, you'd be able to closely approximate the required size of one of these units as well. But please let us check your sizing before you order components unless you are absolutely sure of your sizing. While the following information is more in-depth than our page entitled System Sizing Basics , it still only represents a part of the amount of data and actual planning considerations that goes into a system design for your particular location and your specific energy requirements. We strongly recommend you contact us for an actual system design-plan or let us check your calculations. Orientation of a solar array is best at true south.
True south is slightly different than a magnetic reference or compass south.
The more an array is situated off of true south the less the total insolation value. Insolation Insolation or sunlight intensity is measured in equivalent full sun hours. There are two main reasons. One is reflection due to a high angle of the sun in relationship to your array. The second is also due to the high angle and the amount of the earth's atmosphere the light is passing through.