Ideal Orientation For Fixed Solar Panels In Northern Hemisphere

If the orientation is not optimal it does not matter whether you have the best angle for solar panels.

Ideal orientation for fixed solar panels in northern hemisphere.

In the northern hemisphere the general rule for solar panel placement is solar panels should face true south and in the southern true north. The most optimum direction to face your solar panels is somewhere between south and west. The ideal direction that solar panels must face changes depending on whether you live in the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere. On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north.

Since solar panels are more productive when the sun s rays are perpendicular to their surfaces the certainly best orientation is the one directly true south azimuth angle 180. Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day. For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south. If your roof does not face the right direction then surface mounted panels or pole mounted panels may be your best bet.

In general there s one big rule. An additional 3 5 though can be gained by evaluating this more carefully. If you live in the northern hemisphere face them south. Generally speaking the panels should be facing towards the equator.

However there is a difference between magnetic south and true south that must be considered. If you are in the southern hemisphere then face them north. 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. Or elsewhere in the northern hemisphere the best direction for solar panels to face is true south though there is an exception.

If you re in the u s. Orientation of the panels 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. It is best to face the panels south as the sun is always in the south within the northern hemisphere. Solar panels should always face true south in the northern hemisphere north in the southern hemisphere tilted from the hoizontal at a degree equal to your latitude plus 15 degrees in winter or minus 15 degrees in summer.

If you live in the southern hemisphere face them north. It is at this location that your panels will receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day.