Sundog Solar
Public
How can I maximize my winter solar energy production?
As much as we love trees, they can decrease your solar energy output. Therefore, we do not recommend planting trees where they will eventually shade your solar panels. Keep in mind your solar system is designed to last for 25 or more years. This means that the trees you plant now could be shading your panels down the road.
The most critical time for your solar panels to be in full sun is during the middle of the day when the solar system output is greatest. A bit of early morning or late afternoon shade won’t significantly impact total system production. Unfortunately, shading between 10 am and 2 pm could dramatically impact your total system production.
Therefore, plant varieties of trees that will not be tall enough to shade your roof. Likewise, deciduous trees tend to have less impact because they lose their leaves in the winter months when the sun is lower in the sky. Conversely, trees on the north side of your house should have no impact on your solar generation (unless they have long branches that cover your roof).
In some cases, a minor tree trimming can significantly increase your solar system output. You can view solar monitoring data to determine the impacts of shading on your solar panels to make an informed decision. Keep in mind that shading will vary by the season and is usually the most during the late fall and early winter when the sun is lowest in the sky.
