Well when it comes to solar panels west is second best.
Do my solar panels have to face south.
On a flat roof if the orientation of the building is not strictly n s then you have the option of making panels face south.
See image below for illustration.
Face panels south for non tou ratepayers.
However solar panels can be orientated on any roof that faces south of either east or west.
Because if panels are not in the same direction as the orientation of the building then they will take up more space on the roof.
North now that s a problem.
Assuming you ve got good subsidies net metering and good sun it s still going to be very cost effective for you.
But what if you don t have a suitable south facing roof.
Solar panels should face south for any home in america to obtain maximum power generation.
Since most sunlight comes from the south this will make your panels more productive.
In the northern hemisphere the sun crosses the sky a little to the south which means putting solar panels on a south facing roof is the best way for homeowners to capture the most solar energy.
Go west young one.
Plenty of systems get installed on western systems and eastern and south eastern etc.
For those who are not part of a tou model with their utility company the direction that you want to face your solar panels is south.
Therefore directions like southwest or southeast are fine.
However if the local power company charges higher prices in the afternoon your panels should face west to maximize the dollar savings.
What you are doing is optimizing your energy production for maximum savings with your utility company.
This is a good action if you have enough space on the rooftop.
If you live in the usa or any other country in the northern hemisphere the best direction to face solar panels is south.