Solar panel systems have gained tremendous popularity during the last few years, especially with people becoming more environmentally conscious. While they’re famously known for their positive impact on the planet, they’re also major money-savers for homeowners across the country. However, to make the most out of them, ensuring that they get plenty of sunlight is key. How? This goes along with one of the most common questions homeowners ask: “what is the best direction for solar panels to face?” Keep on reading to find out!
Solar Panels
As we all know, the more sunlight your solar panels get, the more energy will be produced. This is why solar systems perform better in sunny places like here in southern California. With energy bills on the rise and the increase of environmentally aware individuals, more and more homeowners are looking for a cleaner energy source that will allow them to save some money. Solar panels do just that! However, in order for you to enjoy the most benefits out of them, you have to ensure that they’re getting the most sunlight possible.
What is the Best Direction for Solar Panels to Face?
This leads to the most important question: what is the best direction for solar panels to face? With us being located in the northern hemisphere, the optimal direction for your solar panels to face is south. To understand this rationale, consider the alternatives. If one were to face panels to the east, they would collect more light in the morning, but would then be under shade towards the latter half of the day. The opposite would be true for panels facing west as well—less light in the morning, more in the afternoon.
For those that are trying to find a good middle ground, this leaves north and south. Being in southern California, there would be no good reason to face solar panels to the north. The sun is always south of us, so pointing northward would be a disaster as they wouldn’t get any sunlight. For this reason, solar installers place them towards the south. However, the angle varies according to your latitude. The further north you are, the steeper your panels will need to be tilted. For example, panels located in Sacramento will be placed more steeply than panels in San Diego.
Why Go Solar
Living in Southern California and not making the most out of the tremendous sunlight we get would be a big waste! We should take advantage of this extensive renewable energy source we have. It will eliminate your energy bill and help you do your part to protect the environment. But in order for you to make the most out of your solar panel system, your solar panels have to face the optimal direction. That’s why it’s essential that you select an experienced and knowledgeable group of Solar Installers to install it, like Sunlight Solar! We hope this blog helped answer your question: “what is the best direction for solar panels to face?” If you’re ready to go solar, give us a call at (858) 360-8295 or click here to contact us today!
