Solar Panel Shadow Calculator

Solar Panel Shadow Definition

So, you’re setting up a solar panel array. Great idea! Solar energy is a sustainable and inexpensive way to supplement power in a city, or supply it to remote locations. The more panels you have, and the better they track the sun, the more power you get.

There’s a catch though, which (since you’ve arrived here) you’ve no doubt already realized. Solar panels are themselves objects, and objects cast shadows. When you are setting up an array of solar panels, placing them too close together means your solar panels might be casting shadows over each other, reducing their output!

The solution is to space your panels out so that during normal operation they avoid each others’ shadows. In principle, this seems simple enough, but how far should you space them?

If you set them up in Winter, you don’t want to need to relocate them in Summer, right? If you want to add more panels later, wouldn’t it be a hassle to have to move the old panels first to make room?

Save Yourself the Hassle

Use our Solar Panel Shadow Calculator to figure out how long the shadows cast by your panels will be in all seasons, at all times of day. Simply enter:

1. The height of the Sun in the sky (in degrees)
2. The angle of the panels (in degrees)
3. The height of the panels (in feet)

And our calculator will tell you, in feet, how long the shadow cast by your panels will be. This will help you optimize the distance between one panel and another, so you can get the most out of every inch.

Ware the Trees, Though

Distancing your panels from each other is important, but keep an eye peeled to their surroundings, too. Nearby trees or buildings will block the sun as surely as a misplaced panel.

How to Calculate Solar Panel Shadow

Let's be honest - sometimes the best solar panel shadow calculator is the one that is easy to use and doesn't require us to even know what the solar panel shadow formula is in the first place! But if you want to know the exact formula for calculating solar panel shadow then please check out the "Formula" box above.

Add a Free Solar Panel Shadow Calculator Widget to Your Site!

You can get a free online solar panel shadow calculator for your website and you don't even have to download the solar panel shadow calculator - you can just copy and paste! The solar panel shadow calculator exactly as you see it above is 100% free for you to use. If you want to customize the colors, size, and more to better fit your site, then pricing starts at just $29.99 for a one time purchase. Click the "Customize" button above to learn more!