Optimal solar panel direction for best financial investment return

[Marty]

Hi Greg

I agree with your thinking. I have spoke about it here previously:

Adelaide Solar Power | Optimal panel direction

Hey @John_FC This is an interesting one, because intuitively I would say NE. It will clearly give you more sun throughout the year, by my rough calculations an extra 1500kWh per year (9200 vs 7700 for the SW roof). Assuming an average roof pitch of approx 25 degrees, you’ll get about 25kWh per day on average from the NE roof, and 21 from the SW roof. However, the fact that you use most of your power after 5pm puts an interesting spin on it. It really depends on how much power you use when, as …

It does depend on a number of factors. Namely:

• Your feed in tariff and cost of electricity
• When you use your energy (as you already mention)
• Your roof direction

Regarding the last one, it’s often best to lay the panels flat on whichever is your best roof. It’s cheaper to put more panels up than to perfectly optimise the panel direction. This is one of the reason that it is a good idea to oversize your inverter.
https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/t/ch-9-how-big-a-solar-system-should-i-get-oversizing-the-inverter/162

What is the layout of your roof like?

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers
Marty