Whether you are looking to install six solar panels on your roof at home or 10MW at a mine, we have all asked the question, which is better, east-west or north-facing? We all know that the tilt and orientation of the panels are even more important than the type of panel you will be installing, so which option is better?
I wish there was a simple yes or no answer to this question, but unfortunately, it’s a bit more complicated than that.
Understanding the difference
East-west orientated panels catch the sun throughout the day, with east-facing panels catching the morning sun and west-facing the afternoon. This creates higher energy generation earlier and later in the day than north-facing panels that start generating energy later in the day. An East-West system typically generates energy 1 – 3 hours earlier and later for any given day compared to the north-facing panels that peak at noon.
For any given area, it is possible to increase the panel count between 30 - 75% for an East-West system compared to a North system, depending on the location and angle of tilt.
Making the comparison
In terms of generating capacity, especially for countries further south of the equator, the north-facing system will have a higher generating capacity of up to 10 – 17% compared to the East-West system with the same number of panels.
For countries closer to the equator, the East-West system will generate more energy due to the decreased angle of inclination required.
Generating Capacity
East West system
Compared to the north-facing panels
North-facing system
Compared to the East West panels
Space availability
Do you have the space? The area you have available might make your decision easier or leave you with more questions than answers. The East-West and North-facing systems have different requirements that need to be considered, including spacing. Interrow spacing and shadowing are a crucial part of any solar panel installation that can’t be ignored. Unless we are talking about flush mount systems, north-facing panels require large interrow spacing to avoid shadowing.
The steeper the angle, which is typically the way to go with north-facing, the larger the inter-row spacing becomes. This might be a viable strategy within the agricultural sector where you can grow crops or a vineyard in between, but what if your space is limited? Given the dual pitch of the East-West system, which also typically doesn’t have a high inclination, the interrow spacing can be reduced to almost nothing but a small walkway for maintenance.
For any given area, it is possible to increase the panel count between 30 – 75% for an East-West system compared to a North system, depending on the location and angle of tilt.
Space comparison chart
Energy requirement
What do you need, energy-wise? If you need to get the most out of your panels and have sufficient storage and inverter capacity, your best bet is to go with the north-facing system if you can get the correct tilt angle. Suppose your consumption is predominantly early mornings and evenings.
In that case, it might be a more cost-effective solution to choose an East-West system and get more out of your panels than your storage if you can spare a possible reduction in generation of up to 12 – 15%.
Regardless of your chosen orientation, Lumax Energy is here to support you. We provide a comprehensive range of mounting structures to suit your needs, whether you require east-west, north-facing ground mounts or east-west carports. We are committed to helping you optimise your solar energy production, no matter the specifics of your project.
