What Direction Should My Solar Panels Face in Adelaide?

Solar Energy Adelaide

If you are considering installing solar panels for your home or business in Adelaide, one of the first questions you may have is: What’s the best direction for my solar panels to face?

Traditionally, north-facing panels have been the go-to choice in Australia, as they capture the most sunlight and produce the highest energy output.

However, thanks to advancements in solar technology, the impact of panel direction—also known as solar panel orientation—isn’t as crucial as it once was.

Modern solar panels, along with innovations like microinverters, DC Optimisers and battery storage, have made it possible to achieve excellent energy production even with east, west, or even south-facing panels.

This flexibility means that you can still make the most of Adelaide’s sunny climate, regardless of your roof’s orientation.

In this article, we’ll explore the best options for solar panel direction in Adelaide, explain how new technology has changed the game, and help you understand which orientation will best suit your energy needs.

Why Solar Panel Direction Matters

The direction in which solar panels are installed affects the amount of sunlight they capture throughout the day. More sunlight directly translates to more solar electricity production.

In Australia, the ideal direction has traditionally been north-facing solar panels as this orientation provides maximum exposure to the sun for the longest period of time.

However, with modern solar technology, the impact of panel direction is less restrictive, allowing for flexibility without a significant loss in efficiency. You can now set up your solar panels to capture the most amount of sunshine when you need it most. For some, this may be during the middle of the day whilst for others, orientating their panels so they capture the morning and afternoon rays is better suited to their energy needs.

The Traditional Best Direction for Solar Panels: North-Facing Panels

In Adelaide and across Australia, north-facing solar panels have long been considered the gold standard for solar installations.

Why?

Because panels facing north receive the most direct sunlight throughout the course of an entire day. This allows your solar panels to produce a high amount of energy to power your home, charge your home solar battery and sell any unused electricity back into the State’s electricity grid.

For residential solar installations in Adelaide, a north-facing solar panel orientation will typically maximise your system’s energy output and suit most households.

Why East or West-Facing Panels Are Becoming Popular

With changes in solar technology and electricity pricing structures, east and west-facing solar panel installations have become increasingly common.

Here’s why these orientations are worth considering:

Morning and Afternoon Sun: East-facing panels capture more sunlight in the morning, while west-facing panels perform best in the late afternoon. This setup can be particularly beneficial for households that consume more electricity during these times, like when kids are home from school or when people start using energy-hungry appliances in the evening. Panels facing this direction ensure that at these busy times, your solar can capture enough sunlight to power your home.
Aligned with Peak Usage: Many energy providers in Adelaide charge higher rates during peak times, which typically occur in the late afternoon and early evening. West-facing panels produce more energy during these peak hours, which can help reduce the reliance on grid power and save money on electricity bills.
Battery Storage Compatibility: If you have or are considering solar battery storage, east and west-facing panels can complement a battery system well. Batteries allow you to store excess energy produced in the early or late parts of the day, then use it during night time or peak hours when electricity rates are higher.
Minimal Loss in Efficiency: Due to improvements in solar technology, east and west-facing panels now experience only a minimal difference in efficiency when compared to north-facing solar panels.

South-Facing Panels: An Option in Some Cases

In Adelaide, south-facing solar panels are generally not optimal for energy production. This is because solar panels facing south have the least amount of time to capture sunlight. They will perform well in the summer months but lose large amounts of efficiency in the winter months when the sun is lower in the north sky.

However, if you have limited roof space, shading issues, or tend to use a high amount of electricity in the summer months to cool your home, south-facing panels can still produce usable electricity and reduce your electricity costs.

Thanks to modern advancements in solar technology, solar panels have a far higher capability of converting sunshine in comparison to older panels. Modern high efficiency panels such as REC panels and utilising DC optimised systems such as SolarEdge, which increase the energy production of individual solar panels are a fantastic way of ensuring your solar power saves you money, even when facing south.

The Impact of Advancements in Solar Technology on Panel Direction

The need for a strict north-facing orientation has diminished thanks to advancements in solar technology, including:

Improved Panel Efficiency: Modern solar panels are much more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, even at less-than-ideal angles. This means that panels can generate substantial power even if they’re not facing directly north.
Microinverters and Optimisers: Traditional solar systems used a single inverter to convert DC power to usable AC power, which could result in a loss of efficiency if all panels weren’t facing the same direction. However, with the advent of microinverters and power optimisers, each panel can operate independently, maximising energy capture regardless of orientation.
Solar Tracking Systems: Although less common in residential installations, solar tracking systems can adjust the angle of the panels to follow the sun’s path, boosting efficiency. While this option may be more suited to commercial solar systems, it’s worth noting as an example of how far solar technology has come.

These advancements make it possible for homeowners in Adelaide to get excellent solar energy production from panels that don’t face north, allowing more flexibility in installation.

Choosing the Best Solar Panel Orientation for Your Energy Needs

When deciding on the best solar panel orientation, it’s important to consider your household’s unique energy usage patterns.

Here are a few scenarios to guide you:

High Daytime Usage: If you’re at home during the day and consume most of your energy during this time, a north-facing system will likely serve you best, as it maximises energy output throughout the day.
Evening Peak Usage: For households with peak energy usage in the evening (e.g., when everyone returns from work or school), a west-facing panel setup may be more beneficial. This orientation provides energy during late afternoon hours, reducing your reliance on the grid during expensive peak times.
Combination of East and West: Some households install a mix of east and west-facing panels to balance energy production across the day. This arrangement can help even out your solar generation, producing power from morning until evening, which is ideal for homes with battery storage.
Battery Storage for Extra Flexibility: Adding a solar battery can further reduce the importance of solar panel orientation by storing excess energy generated throughout the day for use later. Batteries make it possible to save money regardless of when the panels generate power, as stored energy can be drawn during peak grid times or at night.
Electric Vehicles: If you are considering purchasing an electric vehicle and will need to charge it at the end of the day, opting for west facing panels will ensure your car is able to be charged without worry.

Solar Panel Orientation and Roof Constraints

Not every roof is suited to a north-facing solar panel setup.

Factors like roof space, shading from nearby buildings or trees, and roof angle can all impact your panel placement options.

Working with a knowledgeable local solar installer like Solar Energy Adelaide is crucial to designing a system that considers your roof’s unique characteristics and maximises your energy production.

Solar Panel Orientation in Adelaide is More Flexible Than Ever

While a north-facing solar panel orientation remains the most efficient setup for solar panel installations in Adelaide, advancements in solar technology mean that east, west and even south-facing solar panels can still generate significant power for your home or business.

Understanding your household’s energy needs and working with an experienced installer to optimise panel placement are key to getting the most out of your solar investment.

At Solar Energy Adelaide, we offer tailored solar solutions to meet your specific requirements, taking into account your roof orientation, energy usage, and future energy goals.

With over a decade of experience, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure that your solar system performs at its best, no matter its direction.

Ready to maximise your solar potential?

Contact Solar Energy Adelaide today to get expert advice on the best solar panel direction and orientation for your home.

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