It is well-known that a south-facing roof is the best orientation for rooftop solar panels. But in some cases, that may not be an option. If your home is surrounded by trees or if the south-side of your home is heavily shaded, you may need to place your solar panels on a different area of the roof.
Will solar panels work on an east-facing roof? This post will explore the best alternatives to south-facing solar panels.
How do solar panels work?
Solar cells are the building blocks of solar panels. These cells take in solar energy and transform it into electricity. Each cell has a semiconductor material-filled space between a pair of electrodes on either side that allows this transformation.
When sunlight strikes this substance, some energy packets of light dislodge electrons from their atoms, enabling the cell to produce an electric current. So, for a solar panel to work, all it needs is exposure to sunlight.
Which is the best direction to place solar panels?
Solar panels facing south in the Northern Hemisphere will generate the most significant electricity. The United States is located in the northern hemisphere, meaning the best option for residents is to place solar panels facing south.
The sun often rises and sets above the equator throughout the year. If you are located north of the Equator, you can receive the most sunshine by facing south toward the Equator. Every day of the year, the sun crosses the southern half of the sky north of the Tropic of Cancer. The entire American mainland is in this region.
South-facing solar panels will always face the sun because the country is orientated south. However, not all homes in America have a south-facing roof. What happens if this is the case for your house?
What to do when south is not an option?
If you cannot have the ideal south-facing roof for your panel, that doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy the green energy from using solar. Here are a few options you can consider:
- You are installing extra solar panels on your roof for more electricity production.
- If you have enough space, you are installing a ground-mounted solar energy system in your garden.
- You are using solar panel tracking systems if your budget allows.
- Installing your solar panels on an east-facing roof
How effective are solar panels on east-facing roofs?
Using an east-facing roof is an excellent alternative when mounting solar panels facing south is impossible. It is the second-best orientation, significantly more effective than west or north. East-facing panels can create only 20% less of what a south-facing system would generate in a region with ideal solar conditions.
Pros of an East-facing Roof
- During the winter, sunlight reaches east-facing roofs all day, from early morning to late afternoon.
- It produces 80 percent of what a south-facing roof would produce, which is relatively high, despite its lower efficiency.
Cons of an East-facing Roof
- Energy production is lower due to morning shadowing from trees and structures.
- Less sunshine is available in summer when it’s needed most.
Join the Solar Revolution
The answer is yes. Solar panels work on an east-facing roof and any other direction. The only difference is the length of sunshine exposure and efficiency. So direction should not keep you from getting your solar panel.
Are you ready to start your green energy journey? Solar optimum is here for you. We have the experience and the skills to install solar for you. Don’t stress about which side will work best. We will guide you through the entire process to help you get the best out of your solar systems.
Contact us today to get started on green energy!
