Best direction for Solar Panels

Solar panels need to be installed in a specific direction for them to produce the most electricity. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer as it depends on what kind of solar panel you have and where your home or business is located geographically. Obviously, if you live in the northern hemisphere, south-facing panels will provide more energy than east- or west-facing ones. However, if you live in the southern hemisphere, the opposite is true!

What is the best direction for solar panels?

For most of North America or the Northern Hemispherical, south-facing solar panels are the best option. These south-facing panels should be tilted at a 30° to 40° angle. The angle varies and is usually equivalent to your home’s latitude (how far north you are in relation to the equator).

However, this is not always the case for everyone. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, having your solar panels installed on an east or west-facing roof will generate more electricity due to the angle of the sun.

There are a variety of factors that go into determining the best direction for your solar panels. Things like the latitude of your location, the type of solar panel you have, and the amount of shading on your roof all play a role.

Why 30° to 40° angle?

30° to 40° angle ensures that panels are exposed to sunlight at a perpendicular angle, which results in the most energy production. During the winter months in the northern latitudes, an angle along these lines helps snow slide off of solar panels more readily.

Depending on the pitch of your roof, you may need to adjust the angle of your solar panels. If your roof is very steep, you’ll need to angle your solar panels closer to 45°. If it’s less than 15°, you can install them at a much shallower angle, or even horizontally.

How about west-facing panels?

West-facing solar panels are not typically recommended in the Northern Hemisphere due to the angle of the sun. In the morning and evening, the sun shines from a low angle and is not as strong as it is at midday. This means that west-facing solar panels will produce less electricity than south- or east-facing ones during these times of the day. However, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, west-facing solar panels may be a better option than south-facing ones.

If you have a time-of-use electricity plan where you’re charged different rates for energy usage during different times of the day, west-facing solar panels may be a good option for you. Since these panels will produce more electricity in the morning and evening, when electricity rates are typically higher, you’ll save money on your electricity bill!

The disadvantage of south-facing panels in the Southern Hemisphere

The only disadvantage of south-facing solar panels in the Southern Hemisphere is that they won’t work as well during the winter months. In the morning and evening, the panels will be facing east or west, which is not as efficient as having them face south.

The south-facing panels are ideal if you are under a standard tier-based rate structure as it produces the most power at midday when your energy rates are usually high. If you want to optimize your solar panel production and installation, consider having angled east- or west-facing panels to complement your south-facing set. Additionally, if you have a roof that is not conducive to a standard install or live in a location with significant shading potential, speak with a solar panel specialist to get the best estimate for your home.

FAQs

Q: Will solar panels work if I live in the southern hemisphere?

A: Solar panels will work if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, but the best direction for them depends on which hemisphere you are in. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing panels should be angled at a 30° to 40° angle. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, east- or west-facing solar panels will generate more electricity.

Q: I have a very steep roof. Do I need to adjust the angle of my solar panels?

A: If your roof is very steep, you’ll need to angle your solar panels closer to 45°. If it’s less than 15°, you can install them at a much shallower angle, or even horizontally.

Q: What is the disadvantage of east-facing solar panels?

A: The only disadvantage of east-facing solar panels is that they won’t work as well during the winter months. In the morning and evening, the panels will be facing west, which is not as efficient as having them face east.

Q: I have a time-of-use electricity plan where I’m charged different rates for energy usage during different times of the day. Should I get west-facing solar panels?

A: If you have a time-of-use electricity plan where you’re charged different rates for energy usage during different times of the day, west-facing solar panels may be a good option for you. Since these panels will produce more electricity in the morning and evening, when electricity rates are typically higher, you’ll save money on your electricity bill!

Q: What is the best direction for solar panels if I have a shaded roof?

A: If you have a shaded roof, you’ll need to install solar panels that face a different direction. Speak with a solar panel specialist to get the best estimate for your home.

Solar panels are typically not recommended in the Northern Hemisphere due to the angle of the sun. In the morning and evening, the sun shines from a low angle and is not as efficient as having panels that face south. The south-facing panels are ideal if you are under a standard tier-based rate structure as it produces the most power at midday when your energy rates are usually high. If you want to optimize your solar panel production and installation, consider having angled east- or west-facing panels to complement your south-facing set. Additionally, if you have a roof that is not conducive to a standard install or live in a location with significant shading potential, speak with a solar panel specialist to get the best estimate for your home.