GRID INTEGRATION AND STABILISATION
MAXIMISING
SOLAR BY RETHINKING PV PANEL ORIENTATION Traditionally, solar PV panels have been orientated in a northerly direction, towards the equator. But new research from the University of South Australia questions whether this is the most effective approach, particularly in a residential setting, where north-facing panels will produce the most energy in the middle of the day – outside the usual residential usage peaks.
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ver two million Australian households – more than 20 per cent – now have rooftop PV solar panels, and while this is a generally positive scenario, the increased uptake of PV systems around the nation is creating a few challenges for our electricity industry. UniSA solar researcher, Kirrilie Rowe, said one key problem currently facing home PV stems from the discrepancy between the times of peak use and peak production. “Solar panels on residential dwellings are typically installed facing the equator www.energymagazine.com.au
