Tree Shading Solar Panels

As solar continues to grow trees shading solar installations is becoming more and more of a problem.

Tree shading solar panels.

There s no denying that solar panels do not operate as well under shade. Scott anders taylor day and carolyn adi kuduk 2010 hey your tree is shading my solar panels. Researchers are aware of the problem and are looking for ways to boost productivity in shady conditions. However as we outline below proper tree placement and pruning can allow solar panels to function in proximity to shade trees.

A renewable energy laboratory study found that shadows over pv photovoltaic panels reduce power production by one third. Some people will be ok with that for others halving the energy yield will be too much to bear. Journal of sustainable real estate. Trees and buildings or other landscape features such as hills can block incoming radiation and cast a shadow reducing the usable solar radiation.

Most states have few if any solar access laws especially in regards to shading from trees. A tree planted 50 feet from the house decreases solar gain more than one planted 100 feet from the house because it shades more of the house. California s solar shade control act. Only a handful of areas such as california wisconsin and ashland oregon have shading specific solar laws.

Allow for the tree s root growth and canopy spread when. It protects homeowners investments in solar panels which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Complaints are arising from an obscure state law known as the solar shade control act.