08-24-2013, 05:24 AM
First thing I would suggest is to figure out if/ when/ where your roof is shaded. Remember the sun travels a lower arc in winter. Second thing I would suggest is get multiple bids and get the bidder to put in writing where the panels will go on the roof and what solar angle are they going to aim the panels at. If you get multiple bids and keep asking questions you will probably find who you want to work with and what specs the contractor will be bidding on.
If you look around Puna you will see some panels installed on the southeast side of the roof, some on the south side, and some on the southwest side. Most panels seem to be mounted parallel with the roof plane regardless of solar angle but there are some installations with special brackets that actually aim the panels for maximum gain. You will probably pay more to get the job done right but in the long run it will probably be worth it.
If you look around Puna you will see some panels installed on the southeast side of the roof, some on the south side, and some on the southwest side. Most panels seem to be mounted parallel with the roof plane regardless of solar angle but there are some installations with special brackets that actually aim the panels for maximum gain. You will probably pay more to get the job done right but in the long run it will probably be worth it.