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Discover the key factors influencing the optimal orientation of photocells for maximizing solar energy generation. Explore UV exposure, tilt angles, seasonal adjustments, shading mitigation, and technological advancements to unlock the full potential of solar installations. From strategic placement to economic viability, learn how to harness sunlight efficiently for a sustainable energy future.

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As the use of solar energy keeps soaring in order to increase the power efficiency, photocells have become an absolute necessity in outdoor lights. They help ensure minimum power wastage by making sure the lights are turned on only when needed, turning the lights off as dawn approaches.

However, in the operation of these dusk to dusk photocells, there are a few factors that need to be taken care of for optimal performance. One such crucial factor is the perfect orientation of photocells. How should a photocell be installed and which way should it face to guarantee highest performance, optimal use of solar power, and minimum damage to photocells due to continuous exposure to high intensity light, etc.

The perfect orientation of photocell requires you to create an intricate balance of several things. Let us explore what factors that should be considered.

Factors to Consider for Optimal Orientation

• Exposure to UV Light

Where it is important for the photocells to receive enough light, it is really crucial for them to be placed in a way that they have minimum exposure to ultraviolet light. This is because continuous exposure to direct UV light can be very damaging for the UV-sensitive components of a photocell. It can reduce their longevity.

To ensure minimum exposure to UV light, ANSI guidelines should be followed. In other words, the sensitive components should always be facing as close to North as possible. This is often ensures by an arrow placed near photosensitive window of a photocell. This north facing arrow is to ensure that the photosensitive parts are facing towards North and hence receive only the weakest possible UV light to avoid damage. So, the arrow should always point to North.

Besides, refer to the standardized guidelines for orientation given by manufacturer to ensure that your photocell performs consistently and at the best of its capacity.

• Tilt Angle of Photocells

The angle at which the photocell should be tilted also has a role to play in perfect direction of the photocell as well. The aim is to ensure that the photocell receives perpendicular rays of light for maximum part of the day and even during equinoxes. This cannot always be ensured through a vertical placement of photocells. Rather, in many cases the photocells should be tilted according to latitude. However, in some cases, installing the photocells at a tilt angle might not be required.

• Adjustment to Seasonal Changes

As the sun’s position keeps changing with changing seasons, a change in photocell’s angle will help ensure harnessing maximum solar power. In winters, a greater tilt will be useful to ensure maximum exposure. However, in summers, prolonged exposure to intense light can be damaging for the photocells. Hence, a slighter tilt will do the job and harness required sunlight without over-exposure.  In other words, a dynamic change in tilt angle and orientation can help ensure maximum efficiency and reduced damage due to over-exposure to sunlight.

• Impediments to Light

While mounting photocells outdoor, you must keep in view that there aren’t any considerable hindrances to sunlight. Shadows of the nearby objects can create cause a photocell to work abnormally. A shadow might be considered as a stimulus by the photocell and it may turn the lights on perceiving it as an onset of dusk time. Moreover, it can reduce exposure to sunlight, significantly impeding the efficiency of photocell. Hence, if there are tall buildings or trees overshadowing a photocell, significantly blocking sunlight, considering facing it in other directions or installing it at an alternative spot.

• Roof Top Installation vs. Ground Installation

While deciding whether to install a photocell on roof or ground, you should have certain considerations in mind. Roof mounted photocells have limited options when it comes to adjusting tilt angle and orientation because the photocells must follow the structure of the roof when installed. On the other hand, you get greater flexibility with photocells installed on ground. You can follow sun’s path and position your photocells accordingly. Moreover, tilt angle can be adjusted in a way that ensures sunlight falls perpendicular to the photocells.

Above all, the photocells that are installed on ground can be easily maintained and cleaned time to time. Hence, their longevity also increases. Moreover, if installing photocells on difficult-to-reach locations, use of highest quality, durable photocells from certified manufacturers becomes even more important.

• Considering Technological Implications

As the photocell technology continues to evolve, new features are introduced from time to time. While installing a photocell, keeping in view these features would be handy. For example, bifacial photocells are among the latest innovations in photocells. These units can detect ambient light levels from both sides. Such photocells are perfect for those areas where there isn’t intense, direct sunlight for most part of the day. These photocells can also rely on reflected light from other surfaces, increasing their ability to more efficiently detect level of outdoor light.

Moreover, you can make use of single axis or double axis trackers. These trackers automatically adjust the orientation of the photocells following sun’s path and seasonal changes.

However, while deciding to make use of technological advancement for ensuring optimal orientation, keep your budget in mind. Latest techniques can be a bit costly especially when introduced. They can be worth using only if it translates into reduced bills due to improved energy efficiency. So, keep the equation in mind.

Conclusion

The optimal orientation of photocells is a multifaceted endeavor, contingent upon geographic location, tilt angle, seasonal variations, shading considerations, and technological advancements. By meticulously aligning photocells with the sun’s trajectory, maximizing exposure to sunlight, and mitigating shading effects, energy generation can be substantially enhanced. As solar technology continues to evolve, so too will the strategies for optimizing photocell orientation, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future powered by solar energy.

References

• https://fernhoward.com/what-is-a-photocell-outdoor-sensor-light/#:~:text=The%20photocell%2Dcontrolled%20Luminaire%20automatically,as%20the%20light%20level%20alters.
• https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/equinox/#:~:text=Equinox-,An%20equinox%20is%20an%20event%20in%20which%20a%20planet’s%20subsolar,by%20Przemyslaw%2C%20courtesy%20of%20Wikimedia.
• https://leaditop.com