Satellite Solar Panel Orientation

Photovoltaic pv panels collect solar radiation directly from the sun from the sky and from sunlight reflected off the ground or area surrounding the pv panel.

Satellite solar panel orientation.

Unlike larger satellites where the surface area available on the external structures is much greater cubesats. Now a compass tells you magnetic north and south but it does not show you true north and south. Orienting the pv panel in a direction and tilt to maximize its exposure to direct sunlight will optimize the collection efficiency. Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day.

This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere. In this post we give a brief overview of satellite solar panels and arrays sharing listings of multiple products available on the global marketplace if you would like to skip the introductory material and instead get straight to the product listings please click here. There is a difference. Orientation of the panels.

In the northern hemisphere the general rule for solar panel placement is solar panels should face true south and in the southern true north.