Which Direction Should Solar Panels Face in Australia? The Ultimate Guide

Investing in solar is one of the smartest decisions an Australian homeowner can make. But to get the most out of your system and maximise your savings, it's crucial to get the setup right. One of the most common questions we hear is: "Which direction should my solar panels face?"

While the traditional answer has always been "north," the modern energy landscape—with changing electricity tariffs and household consumption patterns—has made the answer more nuanced.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about solar panel orientation in Australia, so you can make an informed decision for your home.

The Golden Rule: Why North is Traditionally King

For anyone in the Southern Hemisphere, the sun spends most of its time in the northern part of the sky. It rises in the east, travels across the northern sky, and sets in the west.

Because of this, north-facing solar panels receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, generating the maximum possible amount of energy over the course of a year.

A purely north-facing system is ideal if:

• You want to generate the absolute maximum kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is perfect for homeowners on a high feed-in tariff, as you can export more power to the grid during the midday peak.
• You have high daytime energy consumption. If you work from home, run a pool pump, or use major appliances during the middle of the day, a north-facing system aligns perfectly with your usage.
• You have limited roof space. To get the most generation from a smaller number of panels, pointing them north is the most efficient option.

For decades, this was the undisputed best practice. However, the way we use and pay for electricity has changed, giving rise to a powerful alternative.

The Modern Challenger: The East-West Split System

An east-west split system involves placing some panels on your east-facing roof and the rest on your west-facing roof. At first, this might seem less efficient—and in terms of total kWh generated, it often is (producing around 15-20% less energy than a perfectly north-facing system of the same size).

So why is it becoming so popular? The answer lies in when the power is generated.

Think about your daily routine. For most families, energy consumption isn't highest at midday. It peaks in two distinct periods:

1. The Morning Rush (East): Waking up, turning on lights, boiling the kettle, making breakfast, watching TV.
2. The Afternoon/Evening Wind-Down (West): Coming home from work or school, cooking dinner, running the dishwasher, and powering entertainment systems.

An east-west system is designed to match this modern lifestyle.

• East-facing panels capture the early morning sun, powering your home as you get ready for the day.
• West-facing panels catch the late afternoon sun, covering your energy needs as the day winds down.

This creates a broader, more consistent generation curve throughout the day, rather than the sharp midday peak of a north-facing system.

Key Benefits of an East-West System:

• Maximised Self-Consumption: By generating power when you actually use it, you import less from the grid. With low feed-in tariffs, saving a dollar on your bill by using your own power is far more valuable than earning 5-10 cents for exporting it.
• Greater Energy Independence: You rely less on the grid during your peak usage times, which directly translates to lower electricity bills.
• Utilises More Roof Space: It allows homeowners with complex or predominantly east-west facing roofs to install a larger, effective solar system.

North vs. East-West: Which is Right for You?

The best choice depends entirely on your household's energy habits and financial goals.

What About South-Facing Panels?

In Australia, you should avoid installing solar panels on a south-facing roof wherever possible. They receive very little direct sunlight, leading to drastically reduced energy production. While a very slight southerly orientation on a roof with a low pitch might be manageable, a professional installer will almost always find a better alternative.

Don't Forget Tilt Angle and Shading

Orientation is only part of the puzzle. Two other factors are critical for performance.

1. Panel Tilt (Pitch)

The tilt angle of your panels affects how directly they face the sun.

• The Ideal Tilt: The optimal year-round tilt angle is roughly equal to your location's latitude. For example, in Sydney (latitude ~34°S), the ideal tilt is around 34°.
• The Practical Approach: In most cases, panels are installed flush with the roof's existing pitch (typically 15-30°). This is perfectly acceptable, cost-effective, and provides excellent performance. Attempting to install custom-built frames to achieve the "perfect" angle is rarely worth the extra cost and complexity.

2. Shading

A perfectly oriented panel is useless if it's covered in shade.

• Identify Shade Sources: Before installation, identify potential shading from trees, neighbouring buildings, chimneys, or antennas.
• Impact of Shade: Even partial shading on a single panel can significantly reduce the output of the entire string of panels connected to it.
• Modern Solutions: Technologies like microinverters or DC optimisers can help mitigate the effects of shading by allowing each panel to operate independently.

The Verdict: Talk to an Expert

While north is the champion for raw power generation, the east-west split is often the financial winner for modern Australian families focused on self-consumption.

The "best" direction is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It's a tailored solution based on your roof geometry, your daily energy usage, and your local electricity tariffs.

The only way to be certain is to get a professional assessment.

Ready to find the perfect solar orientation for your home? Contact the experts at SolarInsights.com.au today for a free, no-obligation quote and a detailed assessment from our clean energy specialists.