Which Direction Should Solar Panels Face?

The immediate response to the question of which way solar panels should face would likely be "south." However, deciding the optimal placement of solar panels involves a multitude of factors. The direction in which your solar panels face can greatly influence the amount of energy they generate. For homes located in the northern hemisphere, having the panels face south is generally the best option, as this orientation allows them to receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.

However, the decision isn't always that straightforward. If your roof faces east or west instead of south, you can still harness solar energy effectively, though perhaps not to the same degree. In some cases, west-facing panels may even be preferable depending on the utility's pricing structure, as they tend to generate more power later in the day when electricity rates are often higher.

Continue reading to explore the nuances of solar panel placement and discover how you can optimize your solar energy system regardless of your roof's orientation.

Key Takeaways

• Solar panels facing south are generally the most effective for maximizing energy production, particularly in the northern hemisphere, as they receive the most sunlight throughout the day.
• The suitability of your roof, including its orientation, shade, pitch, condition, materials, size, and any potential obstructions, plays a crucial role in determining the feasibility of solar panel installation.
• While east-west facing panels or west-facing panels may be considered in certain situations, south-facing panels are typically the best choice for optimal energy generation.

Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?

The first step in determining whether your roof is suitable for solar panel installation is assessing its suitability. Here’s what you need to consider for a successful solar panel installation.

Roof Orientation

If your roof faces south, it is ideal for generating electricity at maximum efficiency. This orientation allows the solar panels to receive sunlight at the best angle and when the sun is at its peak. However, roofs that face east or west can still generate significant amounts of electricity throughout the day.

Roofs that face north are generally not recommended for solar panel installations due to reduced exposure to sunlight. Most solar companies advise against north-facing solar panel orientation.

Roof Shade

Even in the shade, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate energy, although the quantity will be reduced. Shadows from trees, neighboring buildings, and utility poles can affect solar panel efficiency.

If your roof experiences a lot of shading, it might be wise to consult with a solar installer to determine if an alternative solar solution is necessary. The advice of a professional can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure your system operates optimally.

Roof Pitch

The slope of your roof can impact solar panel performance. Ideally, the pitch angle should be between 30 and 40 degrees. Panels mounted outside this range can still generate some power, but the optimal angle is when the sun’s rays strike the panels perpendicularly, resulting in higher electricity production.

Flat solar panels can generate power, but in some cases, an installer may recommend angling the panels for better performance. The goal is to find the perfect angle to maximize energy output.

Roof Condition

Before installing solar panels, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection of your roof. Any damage or holes must be repaired prior to installation. Since solar panels are relatively heavy, it’s critical to ensure that your roof can support the added weight.

Given the significant investment involved in solar panel systems, it’s vital to confirm that your roof is in excellent condition. Proper preparation will prevent future issues and extend the lifespan of your solar panels.

Roof Materials

Roofs made of glass or thatched materials are generally unsuitable for solar panel installation. Glass roofs cannot bear the load, while thatched roofs pose a fire hazard.

The type of roof material you have can affect installation costs and determine whether your roof can handle the weight of solar panels.

Roof Size

Solar panel installation requires sufficient clean roof space. The size of your solar PV system depends on the available roof space. Typically, a minimum of four panels are installed at once. However, the number of panels ultimately depends on the size of your roof.

Rooftops with skylights or roof vents may limit the available space for installing solar PV panels. Any obstacles or limitations should be addressed during the installation process.

Roof Availability

Domestic installations of PV systems do not usually require planning permission. However, there are exceptions. Planning permission is needed if you have a flat roof or live in a listed building or conservation area.

East-West vs. South Solar Placement

To determine the optimal direction for solar panels, it helps to understand the sun’s movement across the sky. In the northern hemisphere, the sun travels across the southern part of the sky, meaning south-facing panels receive the most sunlight.

Adjusting the angle slightly to face southwest or southeast can result in lower energy production.

Roof orientation plays a significant role in solar panel performance. When calculating the solar ROI (return on investment), the cost of electricity has a more significant impact than the amount of power the solar system can produce.

When considering east-west placement, you have three options for installing panels:

• On an east-facing roof
• On a west-facing roof
• Split the solar array into two halves, with one half facing east and the other west.

In the first option, the panels will receive sunlight in the morning but will be shaded for the rest of the day. Similarly, in the second option, the panels will be shaded in the morning and exposed to sunlight in the afternoon. For the third option, half the panels will be shaded, and the other half will receive sunlight for half the day and vice versa.

If you choose any of the three east-west facing panel configurations, you will likely need an additional optimising device to compensate for the shading effects. While these devices can enhance energy production, they also increase costs significantly.

West Facing Solar Panels

West-facing panels are ideal if your utility company charges based on a TOU (time-of-use) structure. In contrast, if they charge a standard rate, south-facing solar panels are the best option. West-facing panels can help reduce energy bills since they generate more power during peak usage times when rates are higher.

The Best Solar Panel Direction

We can confidently say that south-facing panels are the best direction. Here’s why:

• Solar panels in the northern hemisphere produce the most power when facing south. This is because the sun shines directly over the equator, allowing south-facing panels to generate more electricity.
• You can generate surplus energy and store it with a battery storage system.

Case Study: Optimising Solar Panel Orientation for Maximum Energy Production

Background

Solar Panels Network recently collaborated with a homeowner in Cambridgeshire who wanted to cut energy costs and contribute to environmental sustainability. The challenge was that the property had an east-west facing roof, which is not the ideal south-facing orientation typically recommended for maximum solar energy production.

Project Overview

The project aimed to design and install a solar panel system that could efficiently harness solar energy despite the suboptimal roof orientation. Our team conducted a thorough site assessment to evaluate the roof’s potential and determine the best configuration to maximize energy output and financial savings.

Implementation

• Site Assessment and Feasibility Study: Evaluated the roof’s structure, shading patterns, and overall solar potential.
• System Design: Developed a 5kW solar PV system, evenly split between the east and west-facing roofs. This design aimed to capture sunlight from the early morning to the late afternoon.
• Optimization Equipment: Installed microinverters to ensure each panel operates independently, minimizing the impact of shading and orientation variations.
• Installation and Grid Connection: Completed the installation with secure mounting systems and connected the system to the grid, allowing for surplus energy export.

Results

• Energy Production: The system generated an impressive 4,800 kWh annually, despite the east-west orientation. This was achieved through careful planning and the use of optimization equipment.
• Cost Savings: The homeowner experienced a 35% reduction in electricity bills. Additionally, the system’s ability to export surplus energy provided further financial benefits under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
• Environmental Impact: The installation reduced the property’s carbon footprint, saving approximately 2.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Summary

This case study demonstrates that even without a south-facing roof, homeowners can achieve significant energy savings and environmental benefits through well-planned solar panel installations. By employing strategic system design and optimization technologies, Solar Panels Network ensured that the homeowner maximized their solar investment. The project highlights our commitment to providing customized, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Which Direction Solar Panels Should Face

The south-facing orientation is optimal for solar panels in the UK because it maximizes exposure to sunlight throughout the day. This positioning ensures the highest possible energy yield, making it the most efficient and cost-effective choice for homeowners.

Senior Solar Engineer

While south-facing panels are ideal, homeowners with east or west-facing roofs can still benefit significantly from solar energy. With proper planning and potentially using additional equipment like microinverters, we can optimize the system’s performance to make the most of available sunlight.

Solar Installation Specialist

It’s important to consider the unique characteristics of each property, such as roof pitch, shading, and space. A tailored approach can often overcome less-than-ideal orientations, ensuring that every solar panel system delivers the best possible return on investment.

Renewable Energy Consultant

Discover the Power of Solar with Solar Panels Network

Are you exploring the world of solar installations? Look no further than Solar Panels Network, the UK’s trusted partner in harnessing the sun’s potential. Our dedication goes beyond just installations; we’re on a mission to transform how homeowners and businesses across the UK perceive and utilize energy. By choosing us, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and making a smart financial move that promises savings for years ahead. Contact us today and embark on your solar journey.

Wrapping Up

Solar panels facing south produce the maximum energy, especially in the northern hemisphere. Most homes have their solar PV system facing south since it produces the most energy. Additionally, south-facing panels receive sunlight for longer periods than those facing any other direction.

However, if a south-facing solar panel orientation is not possible, it is not the end of your renewable energy goals. You can try adding more solar panels to generate more power.

Installing solar panels is significantly less expensive and easily affordable; now that’s something to consider in good mind, right?