The species of Acer has some bearing on this of course. The genus Acer ranges in size from things like the Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) down to dwarf forms of Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) and everything in between.

Do you know what type of Acer?

smaller acers prefer a little dappled shade & protection from strong winds. they can get leaf burn otherwise.
I have a few different smaller acers under green shade netting & they do really well but in the open garden I have two large Norway Maples ( variagated) & take the full force of the Fen blasts & direct sun in their stride.