The direction that your roof faces, also referred to as the Azimuth angle, is the primary factor determining how much sunshine your solar panels will see over the course of the day. Solar panels are most effective when installed on east-facing roofs in Singapore.
Even if your solar panels don’t face directly east, they can still produce plenty of electricity, regardless of whether you live in Changi or Jurong. You also can mount solar panels on roofs that face east or west as well as on the roof of another building (like a barn or garage).
Tips
An easy way to determine the direction that your roof faces is to use Google Maps. Look up your property and use the grid to find true south, then compare your roof.
Why Orientation Matters With Rooftop Solar
In general, solar panels that are oriented directly north or directly south will produce about 20% less electricity than if they were facing east. Even with this decrease in performance, solar panels will produce enough electricity to save you hundreds of dollars a year. You can also improve your solar panels’ performance by adjusting the tilt of your panels downward. If you change the tilt from 30° to 15°, your production then will be 15% higher than if your panels were installed in peak conditions.
Can you install solar panels on a north-facing roof?
While it is technically possible to install solar panels on the north side of your roof, they need to be mounted so that they oppose the roof’s slant in order to generate electricity. This means that they won’t sit flush with your roof, and will still produce relatively little electricity. Consider ground mounted solar, or installing solar panels on your garage, if you need more space for your solar energy system.
You don’t need to live in the sunniest state in the country or have a rooftop that faces directly east to take advantage of the financial benefits of solar. The most important factor in determining your solar savings is how much you pay for electricity. By going solar, you reduce or even eliminate your utility electricity costs, so even if you aren’t perfectly maximizing your electricity production, your solar investment can still pay off in a big way. Get FREE Quote from our solar consultant NOW!
