So you want to buy a Solar Panel?
Installing solar panels in the Cayman Islands normally will yield very good results- simply due to the 330+ days of sunshine we receive each year. But to maximize the photovoltaic output it is best to do a little homework and figure out the best direction and angle to point your new solar panels. At the Cayman Diving Lodge, one of the tools we used was a very handy web based tool at: http://www.sunposition.net
SunPosition uses an advanced mathematical algorithm to run calculations which are incredibly accurate, meaning you can be sure to know exactly where to expect the sun, wherever and whenever you need to.
Technically you should adjust your solar panel March 21, June 21, Sept 21 and Dec 21st as you go through the seasons. Or as a quick rule of thumb (Northern Hemisphere), place your solar panel on the most South facing section of your roof, and use the latitude of your location as the default upward angle/tilt- for example, in Cayman we are at 19 degrees latitude above the equator- so would tilt the panel at 19 degrees upward from horizontal.
We recommend you always use a professional when installing Solar Panels, but it is always good to know a little background on positioning and fine tuning to maximize output.
After the Cayman Diving Lodge has finished construction, make sure you ask for the behind the scenes tour so you can see how our Green Technology works.