Which way should solar panels face? The answer may surprise you.

Why orientation changes your solar power output

Solar panels work hardest when they face the sun for the longest part of the day. That means the wrong direction can noticeably reduce efficiency – sometimes by 20 – 30%, depending on where you live. For example, south-facing panels can lose around 28% of potential generation on average.

But direction isn’t the only factor. Local temperatures, cloud cover, roof pitch and shading also shape how much energy you’ll produce. That’s why two homes on the same street can see very different results, even with similar systems.

What to expect from North, East, West and South-Facing panels

North: The classic high performer

North-facing panels deliver the strongest annual output in most Australian cities –often 99% or more of maximum possible generation. If your goal is total yearly production, north is still the gold standard.

East: Ideal for early birds

East-facing systems shine in the morning, producing earlier in the day. That’s helpful for households that use more energy before lunch — think brekkie, school prep and morning appliances.

West: Great for the after-work rush

West-facing panels hit their stride in the late afternoon and early evening. This makes them a smart match for families cooking dinner, running appliances or cooling the house after 3pm.

South: Lower output, but still useful

South-facing panels produce the least, but they’re not ‘wrong.’ In some climates, especially cooler regions, south can still be viable depending on roof pitch, shading and your overall system size.

Best orientation by region

Not every city performs the same. Slight shifts – even a few degrees east or west of north – can improve output in certain regions due to local cloud patterns or heat levels.

• Darwin has more flexibility because its sunshine hours are more consistent year-round.
• Hobart is more sensitive to direction, so small orientation changes can make larger differences in output.

Roof shape, size and other limits

Most households don’t have a textbook north-facing roof – and that’s okay. Your installer will work with what you’ve got.

• East–west roof layouts can increase self-consumption by spreading generation across the full day.
• Roof tilt, shading from trees or neighbouring buildings, and the amount of usable space all influence where panels can be placed.

How orientation affects feed-in tariffs

Your panel direction also changes when you export energy. In states where feed-in tariffs peak in the afternoon, west-facing panels may deliver better financial returns. More energy during peak periods can mean higher earnings from the grid.

Finding the best direction for your home

While north is generally the top performer, the best direction depends on your home layout, shade, climate and how (and when) you use energy. A licensed, accredited installer can assess your roof and recommend the orientation that delivers the best value over time.