When designing a photovoltaic system, the most crucial factor is the correct placement of panels to ensure energy production aligns with the installation’s requirements and the structural limitations of the building where the system is being installed.
South-Facing Orientation
This is the most commonly used configuration when the goal is to maximize total daily energy production. It is particularly suitable when battery storage is available or when energy consumption can be managed during peak midday production hours.
A disadvantage for flat roofs is the increased number of wind-exposed edges, requiring additional ballast or structural reinforcements to withstand wind loads, which can sometimes present a static load challenge.
Advantages:
- Maximum daily energy yield
Disadvantages:
- Requires wider spacing between panels due to shading, reducing total installed capacity
- Higher roof load due to wind-exposed edges
East-West Orientation
This setup is particularly beneficial for on-grid solutions, as it enables energy production from early morning until late afternoon. The overall generation period is extended, but peak output around midday is lower compared to a south-facing system.
Additionally, east-west installations have minimal wind-exposed edges, meaning they require only half the ballast compared to south-facing panels. Since panels do not cast shadows on one another, they can be placed closer together, allowing for a higher total installed capacity.
Advantages:
- Earlier production start and extended energy generation throughout the day
- Higher installed capacity on the same roof area
- Lower structural load on the roof
Disadvantages:
- Slightly lower total daily energy output compared to south-facing orientation
Sloped Roofs
For residential homes with pitched roofs, the ideal placement is on the side facing as close to south as possible. If the roof is slightly off from true south, it is not a major issue—it will only shift the peak power production time.
If the house has its gable end facing south, an east-west orientation is recommended.
During an on-site inspection, we take aerial images of the roof and use specialized software to optimally position the panels while ensuring:
- maximum energy output
- aesthetically pleasing installation
