Using solar panels is an excellent option for producing non-carbon energy. It offers extensive benefits for the owners. Yet, as to how it is positioned in your roof has a great outcome on the maximum amount of energy it can generate.
One factor that affects the maximisation of the energy produced by the solar panels is self-consumption. Self-consumption refers to the use of all parts of the electricity generated by the solar panel system. There are two main types of self-consumption: partial and total. Partial self-consumption is when a part of the electricity generated by the panels is not used up and injected into the grid. On the other hand, total self-consumption means all the electricity produced by the arrays is used up by the household.
To maximise self-consumption, solar panel owners should identify the best way their panels should be facing. They should take into consideration the time of the day they are using electricity at most.
Here are the different solar panel orientations that suit different household electricity usage.
North Direction
In general, the north direction will be the best orientation for maximum electricity production because the panels are directly facing the sun. Households that do their chores during the day will best benefit from this direction because they used the energy as their panels are producing it. They can even use appliances simultaneously without worrying about the electricity bill.
South Direction
The south orientation is considered the least favourable direction of panels in Australia.
The electricity production of south-faced solar panels will be lesser than the north faced panels by up to 28% in different places in Australia.
East Direction
East facing solar panels will produce 12% less electricity than panels facing the north direction. However, this direction is suitable for a household that uses much energy in the morning and less in the afternoon when they are out.
West Direction
This direction is an excellent choice for people who are not at home during the sunrise but comes home in the afternoon. West facing arrays produces electricity less in the morning and more in the afternoon with its maximum around an hour past midday. The electricity produced by west-facing panels is also 12% lesser than that of the north-faced modules.
North-West Direction
The electricity production of panels with north-west orientation falls between that of north-faced and west-faced panels. It will also generate much in the afternoon and lesser in the morning.
North-East Direction
North-east oriented panels will produce electricity lesser than 5% than that of north-oriented panels.
East and West Direction
Positioning your panels in two different directions can provide a constant supply of energy during the day but will still be lesser than 12% compared to the energy production of north-facing panels. This panel direction is suitable for people who are at home throughout the day.
Multiple Directions
Panels can be positioned in two or more directions, such as some will be facing north, and some will be facing west. The energy output will be the same as that with the panels facing north-west direction.
Sometimes, people take into consideration feed-in tariffs when positioning their solar modules. A feed-in tariff is a payment for the surplus energy generated by the solar panel system that is injected in the grid. With these in mind, people are choosing to position their panels in such a way that they will have a higher surplus of electricity. But it would be best if you also considered your energy consumption and the time you are at home. With all these in mind, you can now choose the best direction your panels should be facing.
If you live in Australia or New Zealand and are looking for the best company to help you with solar installation and servicing, please call Solar Shop Online today at 1300 620 290. We’d be happy to assist you with your solar panel needs!