European Council adopts new renewable energy directive

Can I install PV if my roof doesn't face south?

2025-12-23

I. Understanding the principle of photovoltaic power generation system



Photovoltaic power generation systems utilize solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. In solar panels, semiconductor material absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity. 

This electrical energy can be stored and used for household electricity or sold on the grid.


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II. Effect of Roof Orientation on Photovoltaic Power Generation System


Ideally, solar panels should face south. This is because the south is the direction in which the sun rises and sets, and therefore the sun shines the longest in the south, maximizing the amount of electricity generated by the PV system. However, is it still possible to install a PV system if the roof does not face south? 

In some areas, especially at high latitudes in the northern hemisphere, where the sun's altitude angle is high during the summer months, a south-facing roof can receive more sunlight. However, at lower latitudes, where the sun's altitude angle is lower, a southfacing roof may not be the best choice. In this case, east- or west-facing roofs can still receive some sunlight and have the potential for installing PV systems.


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III.he roof does not face south solution


1.Adjust the angle of solar charging panels


If the roof does not face south, you can maximize the amount of sunlight absorbed by adjusting the angle of the solar charging panels. Generally, solar panels can be adjusted to face the direction where the sun shines the longest.



2. Use tracking photovoltaic power generation system


A tracking PV system is a type of PV system that automatically tracks the direction of sunlight. This system maximizes the amount of power generated by the solar panels, but it is also relatively costly.


3. Increase the number of panels


If the roof does not face south, you can increase the amount of electricity generated by the PV system by increasing the number of panels. Although this will increase the cost, in some areas, government subsidies for installing PV power systems can also offset some of the cost.


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In summary, if the roof does not face south, it is still possible to install a photovoltaic power generation system. By adjusting the angle of the solar panels, using a tracking PV power generation system or increasing the number of panels, the power generation capacity of the PV power generation system can be maximized.


In addition, government subsidies for installing PV power systems and rising electricity prices have further motivated households to install PV power systems. Therefore, even if your roof does not face south, you do not have to worry about not being able to enjoy clean, renewable electricity. As long as you choose the right PV power system installation solution according to the actual situation, you can effectively improve the system's power generation efficiency and extend its service life. At the same time, reasonable maintenance and upkeep can also make the PV power generation system more useful in the future!



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