Solar Panel Tree Shading

We can only approximate the impact that trees will have on solar panels.

Solar panel tree shading.

Perhaps most obviously trees near your solar array can cause shading issues. Aurora solar lidar data based shade analysis after installing hundreds of solar panel systems we have found that the most accurate method to analyse shading is now aurora solar. In addition to trees solar panels can actually be shaded by other nearby panels. Some people will be ok with that for others halving the energy yield will be too much to bear.

Tree shade is tricky because the amount of shade cast depends on the density of the foliage and trees tend to move in the wind they don t usually walk around and they grow over time. Shade from features in the immediate surroundings of your home can greatly affect the level of solar radiation reaching your panels. Many residential properties are situated in green spaces and constantly growing trees and foliage can encroach on solar panel setups. 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. Combine that with the tree shading and those panels will probably lose about half their energy yield compared to unshaded north facing panels. Only a handful of areas such as california wisconsin and ashland oregon have shading specific solar laws. But i d definitely consider putting some more panels on the little second north facing roof.