Do I need a south-facing roof for solar panels?

How solar panels work

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by using photovoltaic cells. PV cells are made of materials that produce excited electrons when exposed to light. The electrons flow through a circuit and produce direct current electricity, which can be used to power various devices or be stored in batteries. Solar panels are also known as solar cell panels, solar electric panels, or PV modules.

Solar panels rely on light to make electricity, for this reason placing the panels in the right direction will help your panels produce optimum power at the right time. For maximum exposure, this will often mean a south facing roof is ideal. However you don't always need a south facing roof for your solar panels to receive sufficient sunlight. 

Can solar panels work on an East/West roof?

An example of how panels produce optimum power

As solar panels rely on the sun to produce electricity, placing the panels in the right direction will help your panels produce optimum power at the right time, East facing panels will produce the most in the morning and West facing panels produce the most in the evening.  If you don’t have a South facing roof you can combine West and East and generate from morning until night! 

East/West solar arrays are ideal for households who are out of the house most of the day - this solution is an ideal one for you as you will be consuming less during the day compared to someone who is home all day. By adding a solar battery storage system, you can save the energy produced during daylight hours to be used in the evening when you need it.

South facing systems will always produce more but for a small added cost you can boost an East/West array to match a South facing system. With an East/West system you can increase DC oversizing, DC oversizing means you can use more than 3kW of panels with a 3kW inverter, this is because the panels will never be at maximum output at the same time.  DC oversizing will see a larger return on your investment by controlling your inverter cost.

Experienced Solar Electrician in Kent

In a nutshell, South and East/West arrays both have their strong points, it is all down to how you use your energy and the layout of your roof. This is why it is essential to choose a reputable and experienced solar electrician to design and install your solar power system. They will give you a clear understanding of how your solar PV system will work and will know how to achieve the best results.

PBA Electrical & Renewables Ltd offer free solar surveys in Kent.  We are MCS accredited and NICEIC approved contractors.  A solar survey is the best way to weigh up all the above factors and come up with the best solution for you and your family. Contact our friendly team today.