Which Direction Do Solar Panels Need To Face

In the northern hemisphere the general rule for solar panel placement is solar panels should face true south and in the southern true north.

Which direction do solar panels need to face.

Since most sunlight comes from the south this will make your panels more productive. It is at this location that your panels will receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day. But in general there s one big rule. Therefore directions like southwest or southeast are fine.

North is the only direction that we don t want to put panels on. Solar south or geographic south. This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere. The most optimum direction to face your solar panels is somewhere between south and west.

We can install panels on south east or west facing roofs. If your roof does not face the right direction then surface mounted panels or pole mounted panels may be your best bet. The more sunlight reaches your solar panels the more electricity you can generate and the more money you ll be able to save on your electric bill. However if the local power company charges higher prices in the afternoon your panels should face west to maximize the dollar savings.

True south can also be calculated at noon when shadows from vertical objects run north south. Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day. The direction solar panels should face is true south a k a. For those who are not part of a tou model with their utility company the direction that you want to face your solar panels is south.

While the angle of your solar panels is important a more important factor in your energy production is going to be the direction your panels face. The short answer is no. If you re in australia or elsewhere in the southern hemisphere your solar panels should face north. To correct the compass reading your solar installer will calculate the magnetic declination of your site.

Solar panels should face south for any home in america to obtain maximum power generation. However each of the above only considers. For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south. However there is a difference between magnetic south and true south that must be considered.

Recently the new york times and popular science even purported that solar panels should face west rather than south to avoid unintended consequences.