Are you struggling with high energy bills and looking for a sustainable alternative? Installing solar panels on an East or West-facing roof could be the solution you need. Even if your roof isn’t south-facing, you can still use solar energy effectively.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits and efficiency of solar panels on East and West-facing roofs, helping you understand how to make the most of your solar investment.
Discover how you can reduce your energy costs and contribute to a greener future with solar power on your East or West roof.
Why Should You Consider Solar Panels on an East or West Roof?
Choosing to install solar panels on an East or West-facing roof can offer numerous benefits. Even though south-facing roofs are often seen as ideal, East and West orientations also provide significant advantages.
Here are some reasons to consider solar panels on an East or West-facing roof:
Optimal Energy Production Throughout the Day
Solar on east facing roofs capture the morning sunlight, while solar on west facing roofs benefit from the afternoon sun. This means that you can generate electricity during different parts of the day, ensuring a more balanced energy production. This distribution is particularly useful if your household has varying energy demands throughout the day.
Enhanced Aesthetic and Structural Benefits
Sometimes, the design and structure of your home may make East or West-facing installations more practical.
These orientations can maintain your home’s aesthetic appeal, as the panels can blend smoothly with the roof’s design. This can be especially important in maintaining the appeal and value of your property.
Financial Savings and Return on Investment
Despite a slightly lower efficiency compared to south-facing, East and West-facing roofs can still get significant financial savings. By generating your own electricity, you reduce your reliance on grid power, leading to lower energy bills. Over time, these savings can offset the initial installation costs, providing a strong return on investment.
Contribution to a Sustainable Future
Installing solar panels on your East or West-facing roof helps reduce your carbon footprint and supports the transition to renewable energy. By using solar power, you contribute to a cleaner environment and a sustainable future. This not only benefits you financially but also supports global efforts to combat climate change.
How Efficient are Solar Panels on East and West Roofs?
Understanding the efficiency of solar panels on East and West-facing roofs is crucial for making an informed decision. While these orientations may not be as optimal as south-facing roofs, they still offer considerable energy production. Here’s an in-depth look at how efficient solar panels can be on East and West-facing roofs:
Solar Production Comparison
If we look a semi detached house in Dublin, and install 6 400watt panels on the roof. The south facing house will have an annual PV production of 2007kWh, where as an east facing roofs annual yield is about 20% less with 1637kWh….. However, we also have a west facing roof, which we can add a further 6 panels to which gives the east/west PV system a combined annual yield of 3274kWh.
South facing 6 400w panel semi-detached in Dublin 2007.06 kWh
East facing 6 400w panel semi-detached in Dublin 1637.29 kWh
West facing 6 400w panel semi-detached in Dublin 1637.29 kWh
Total east/west power production 3274.38 of 3274 kWh, showcasing that even non-south-facing roofs can provide significant energy.
Factors Influencing Performance
Several factors influence the performance of solar panels on East and West roofs:
- Sunlight Exposure: East-facing panels capture morning sunlight, while West-facing panels benefit from afternoon sun, leading to balanced energy production.
- Roof Angle: The angle of your roof can impact how much sunlight your panels receive. Adjusting the tilt can help optimise efficiency.
- Shading: Ensure minimal shading from trees or buildings to maximise the sunlight reaching your panels.
Benefits of Combining East and West Orientation of Solar Panels
Installing panels on both East and West-facing roofs can provide a more consistent energy supply throughout the day. This approach can:
- Increase Total Energy Production: By using sunlight from both morning and afternoon, you can achieve a higher total energy output.
- Match Energy Usage Patterns: This distribution of energy production can better match your household’s energy consumption patterns, particularly if you have peak usage times in both the morning and evening.
How Can You Maximise the Efficiency?
Maximising the efficiency of solar panels on East or West-facing roofs requires careful planning and implementation. Here are some effective strategies to ensure you get the most out of your solar system:
Optimal Panel Placement and Angle
Proper placement and angle are crucial for maximising energy production. Adjusting the tilt of your panels helps capture more sunlight. Professional installers can determine the best angle and strategic placement to avoid shaded areas and maximise sunlight exposure throughout the day.
Using High-Efficiency Solar Panels
Investing in high-efficiency solar panels can boost your system’s performance. Panels with advanced technology offer higher energy conversion rates, even under less-than-ideal conditions. Sometimes, fewer high-efficiency panels can outperform a larger number of standard panels, especially on East or West-facing roofs.
Minimising Shading and Obstructions
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep trees and other obstructions trimmed back, preventing shading on your panels. Smart placement by working with an installer ensures panels are positioned in areas with the least shade, enhancing their efficiency.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance are crucial for peak efficiency. Install a monitoring system to track energy production and detect issues early. Regular cleaning keeps panels free of debris, and scheduled maintenance checks address wear and tear or technical issues promptly.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels on East or West-facing roofs can still provide substantial energy production and financial savings. By optimising panel placement, using high-efficiency panels, minimising shading, and ensuring regular maintenance, you can maximise the efficiency of your solar system.
These strategies demonstrate that East and West-facing roofs are a good option options for using solar energy effectively. Want to utilise the power of solar energy on your East or West roof? Contact Kirra Energy today to discuss your solar installation needs.
Our experienced team will design and install a customised solar system that meets your energy requirements and maximises your savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can solar panels be installed on East or West-facing roofs?
Yes, solar panels can be installed on East or West-facing roofs. While they may not be as efficient as south-facing panels, they can still generate significant energy throughout the day.
What are the benefits of installing solar panels on East and West-facing roofs?
East and West-facing panels capture sunlight during different parts of the day, which can align better with household energy consumption patterns. East-facing panels are effective in the morning, while West-facing panels generate more energy in the afternoon.
How can I optimise the performance of East or West-facing solar panels?
Optimising performance involves proper panel placement, adjusting the tilt angle, minimising shading, and using high-efficiency panels. Regular maintenance and monitoring are also crucial for maximising efficiency.
Is shading a significant issue for solar panels?
Shading can significantly impact the efficiency of solar panels regardless of their orientation. It’s important to minimise shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions to ensure maximum sunlight exposure.
What are the ideal tilt angles for East and West-facing roofs?
East-facing panels should be tilted at a shallower angle to capture the morning sun, while West-facing panels should have a steeper tilt to optimise afternoon sunlight. The specific angles may vary based on your location and the time of year.
Can East and West-facing panels provide enough energy for my home?
Yes, East and West-facing panels can still provide substantial energy for your home. By installing a sufficient number of panels and optimising their placement, you can achieve a high level of energy production that meets your household’s needs.