Solar Panel Direction: what direction should solar panels face?

The conventional understanding is that the ideal solar panel direction is facing South. However it has been proven that West facing solar panels can produce more power.

Pick the right location and solar panel direction

If you are looking to achieve cost savings by installing your own solar power system, it is highly recommended that you put some time aside and carefully analyze and determine the right location for your solar panels. The optimum place to install solar panels usually depends on the position, inclination and its orientation towards the sun.

solar panel directionSolar panel direction during Summer and Winter


Recent study reveals some interesting facts

The conventional understanding is that the solar panel facing south (in locations north of the equator) will receive the most sunlight. This is correct to a certain extent however recent studies have proven differently: According to a new study from Pecan Street Research Institute, West-facing rooftop solar panels produced 49 percent more electricity during peak demand compared to south-facing panels [1]. This research was conducted and data was collected from fifty homes in Austin, Texas, which had solar panels installed in different directions. Some homes had only south facing panels, some only west facing panels while some had both.

Solar panel direction - Northern and Southern Hemisphere Solar panel direction - Northern and Southern Hemisphere

Solar panel direction: best direction for my panels?

The most optimum direction to face your solar panels is somewhere between south and west. It is at this location that your panels will receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day. If your roof does not face the right direction, then surface mounted panels or pole mounted panels may be your best bet. Alternatively you could adjust the angle of inclination of the panels to a certain degree to offset the effect of direction. For example if your roof is facing 10 degrees west towards north, you could reduce the tilt angle of your panels by 3 degrees. This would produce the same electricity as with a panel which is facing true west.

References:
[1] Article by Katherine Tweed, November 14, 2013 from Green Tech Media http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/are-solar-panels-facing-the-wrong-direction.

Shyam Modi
By

Shyam Modi

on 27 May 2019

Well, I do agree with them on some points. East to West is a good option while southwest or south to north are other options if east to west doesn't give good results. While I insist with 15-degree angles for installation. A shaped structure can be formed so 15-15-150 degree triangle will be formed.

Arun
By

Arun

on 06 Sep 2017

What direction should solar panel face in the south pole. What is its difference to that in the north pole

Arun
By

Arun

on 06 Sep 2017

What direction should solar panel face in the south pole. What is its difference to that in the north pole

Adam
By

Adam

on 05 May 2021

If you believe this article, and you have grid-tied system than you need north west, because peak use time is towards the evening hours of 4 to 10 pm.

Adam
By

Adam

on 05 May 2021

This *might* be true. But even if true, it is only applicable to grid-tied systems -- not hybrid or off-grid.The importance of peak use time means there is no storage of power during off peak use times. Hybrid and off-grid systems have storage.

Adam
By

Adam

on 05 May 2021

Here is why I\'m skeptical. If this is true, than a solar tracker would produce at least 49% more energy. But research says they only produce a modest 15 - 20% more energy than properly oriented panels. If claim is true than they would have gotten numbers in the 49+% range, but they didn\'t.

Susan
K.D.
By

K.D.

on 23 Sep 2022

It doesn't work. I put in 13622 and nothing happens.

kurt
By

kurt

on 15 Jan 2023

it only ever gives the Ft louderdale area, no matter what zip you search...

Ben
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