Solar panels power generation in north-south direction

Why do solar panels have a northern orientation?

The northern orientation aligns the panels to face directly towards the north. This setup is particularly effective in the Southern Hemisphere, as it allows panels to capture the most direct sunlight during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest point.

What is solar panel orientation?

Solar panel orientation refers to the compass direction that solar panels face when installed. This positioning determines which cardinal direction – north, south, east, or west – the panel surface points toward during operation. The orientation choice directly affects how much direct sunlight panels receive throughout the day.

Do north-facing solar panels work in the northern hemisphere?

North-facing solar panels can work but are generally not recommended in the Northern Hemisphere due to significantly reduced energy production (45-60% of optimal). However, they may be viable in locations with very high electricity rates, abundant sunshine, or when combined with other orientations in a multi-array system.

How does solar panel orientation affect energy production?

Solar panel orientation directly impacts energy production through three primary mechanisms: the amount of direct sunlight panels receive, shading interference from surrounding objects, and the angle at which sunlight strikes the panel surface. The direction your panels face dictates how many hours of peak sun they receive.