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Which direction is the best to face when installing solar panels?
It's not just about installing it on the roof and being done with it. Choosing the right "direction" is key to maximizing the efficiency of every dollar you invest
For business or factory owners planning to install solar rooftops, the question of "direction" is a top priority. Because the right direction means "increased electricity production" and "shorter payback period".
When installing a solar panel system, the placement of the panels determines how much solar energy you can harvest in a day. For Thailand, located in the Northern Hemisphere, there are some principles business owners should be aware of regarding panel orientation.
1. South: The all-time champion of electricity production.
South is the best direction for installing solar panels in Thailand because the panels can receive the longest hours of sunlight throughout the day, from morning to evening. Especially during midday when the sun is strongest, south-facing panels will receive the most direct sunlight, resulting in approximately 10-15% higher electricity production compared to other directions.
2. West-facing: Helps reduce electricity costs during peak load periods.
If your factory or office has very high electricity consumption in the afternoon and evening (2 PM – 5 PM), orienting the solar panels towards the west is an attractive option. This is because the panels will generate the most electricity during the afternoon, which is often the peak electricity demand period and when the air conditioning system has to work harder due to intense heat.
3. East: For businesses that start work early in the morning.
If your business uses a lot of electricity in the morning, such as a bakery or an industry that starts machinery early in the morning, facing east will help reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the main grid between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM better than other directions.
4. North: The direction to avoid (if possible).
North-facing solar panels receive the least sunlight in Thailand. If installation in this direction is necessary, the amount of electricity generated will be considerably less than with south-facing panels. However, if the roof design dictates otherwise, engineers may need to adjust the panel angle to compensate and maintain cost-effectiveness.
Energy X Engineer's Perspective: Tilt Angle is Just as Important as Direction.
Besides choosing the direction, the "angle of inclination" of the solar panel is also crucial. For Thailand, the ideal angle is around 10-15 degrees to ensure that sunlight hits the panel at the most perpendicular angle throughout the year.
Conclude: If your factory roof has limited space, Energy X's engineering team will perform a sunlight simulation to find the best balance between direction and actual site space, ensuring your investment yields the most worthwhile return.
