In Which Direction Should Solar Panels Face?

By: Adam

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If you're considering solar panel installation for your home or business, this is an important consideration as your installation needs to be as efficient as possible.

Optimal Orientation of Solar Panels

Ideally solar panels should face true south in the Northern Hemisphere and true north in the Southern Hemisphere to maximise sunlight exposure. Panels can also face east  / west and in this case we'd recommend splitting them between the two if possible. We may not always have the luxury of true south but there are other considerations which can come in to play...

Tilt Angle

This is an important factor and it does depend on your latitude to an extent. In the UK we work on a fairly narrow range which can roughly equate to about 36º from horizontal. It should be stressed that this is an average and this varies according to the season. For instance, in winter it's more like 51º and in summer more like 20º and although it is possible to install solar panel mechanisms that tilt with the seasons, this is not practical in most cases.

Avoiding Shade

You can have the perfect angle for your solar panels and the perfect true south direction but if you're in a heavily shaded area this can seriously affect electricity generation.

Local Weather Patterns

It's a fact that some areas of the UK are cloudier than others so how does this affect choice and angle / orientation of solar panels? Well this is where orientation may not matter too much as it's widely accepted that the best way to install solar panels in places with the most cloudy skies is to install them horizontally. Other factors do again, come into play but it's worth considering.

Deciding Whether Solar Panels Are Going To Be Efficient

When you contact us about solar panel installation we will take all factors into consideration based on our experience and importantly the calculations we can carry out on your behalf that will tell us what your likely electricity generation will look like.

The Factors To Take Into Consideration Also Include

• Energy Needs: Assess your current energy consumption. If you have high energy bills, solar panels can help reduce costs.
• Location: Your geographic location affects solar energy potential. Areas with plenty of sunshine are ideal.
• Building Orientation and Roof Condition: Check if your roof is suitable (angle, size, and direction) and in good condition.
• Local Incentives: Research any government incentives, tax credits, or rebates available for solar installation in your area.
• Initial Costs vs. Long-Term Savings: Consider the upfront investment against long-term savings on energy bills.
• Environmental Impact: If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, solar panels are a clean energy option.
• Financing Options: Explore options like leases, loans, or power purchase agreements to make the investment more manageable.

If these factors align positively, solar panels could be a great choice for you!

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