Collector Orientation

Roof Orientation - In the Northern hemisphere, the sun arcs across the Southern sky. Because of this, the collectors should be tilted in a Southerly direction. Ideally they will be flush mounted on the roof when the roof pitch is tilted in that direction. Even if the roof slope is oriented within 15 degrees of South, there is very little loss in the production from optimal orientation.

Flush Mount

Tilt Mount

This orientation method is used primarily for flat roofs. The collectors can be tilt mounted to a Southern orientation, which will allow for optimal sun contact with the collectors.

Ground Mount

When installing your collectors, if the building's roof doesn't have proper orientation to the sun, the collector array may be ground mounted.

When determining where to place your ground mounted collectors, it's best to pick a sunny location close to the structure - preferably on the South side of the building.