The direction and angle of your solar panels directly impact how much electricity they produce. While modern panels are efficient enough to perform well in various configurations, optimizing their placement ensures the best return on your investment.
The best direction for solar panels
In the United States, solar panels generate the most electricity when they face true south. That’s because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky as it moves from east to west throughout the day.
South-facing panels receive the most consistent and direct sunlight. If true south isn’t an option, southeast and southwest can also provide good performance, typically just 5-10 percent less efficient.
Can I install solar panels on an east or west roof?
Yes. East-facing panels capture more morning sun, while west-facing panels are great for afternoon and early evening energy. West-facing systems can be especially valuable in areas with time-of-use (TOU) electricity pricing, as they produce more energy during peak rate hours.
What about north-facing roofs?
North-facing roofs are the least ideal, as they receive the least direct sunlight. However, creative solutions like ground-mounted systems or tilted mounting racks can often work around poor roof orientation.
The ideal angle for solar panels
Your panels should be tilted at an angle that allows them to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year. As a general rule, the optimal tilt angle for fixed solar panels is equal to your geographic latitude.
For example:
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Los Angeles, CA (34° latitude) – panels tilted around 30-35°
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New York City, NY (40° latitude) – panels tilted around 35-40°
Flat roofs often use tilted racking systems to elevate the panels at an efficient angle.
Seasonal angle adjustments
For adjustable systems, increasing the tilt in winter and decreasing it in summer can maximize performance. However, most residential systems use fixed mounts for simplicity and durability.
What Sky Solar Pro does
We use advanced solar modeling software to design each system with the best possible orientation and tilt based on your home, roof slope, and shade. If your roof isn’t ideal, we’ll help you explore creative alternatives that still deliver strong performance.
