East-West orientation

The orientation of solar panels plays a crucial role in their energy yield. While a south-facing orientation is traditionally considered ideal, an east-west orientation is gaining increasing importance. This orientation offers numerous advantages, particularly for larger solar installations and flat roofs, and enables more consistent energy production throughout the day. In this article, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of an east-west orientation, as well as its potential applications.

What does east-west orientation mean?

In an east-west orientation, solar panels are installed so that some face east and others face west. This allows the panels to optimally capture the morning sun in the east and the afternoon sun in the west. Compared to a south-facing orientation, which concentrates on maximum energy production at midday, the east-west orientation distributes energy production more evenly throughout the day.

Advantages of the east-west orientation

East-west orientation offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive option for many solar power plant operators:

1. Consistent energy generation

Thanks to its east-west orientation, the energy yield is distributed throughout the day. This reduces peak loads at midday and ensures a more stable power supply, especially for self-consumption systems.

2. Higher module density

On flat roofs, solar modules with an east-west orientation can be installed in a more space-saving manner, as they require less spacing between the rows than with a south-facing orientation. This allows for optimal use of the available roof area.

3. Cheaper installation

The lower tilt of the modules in east-west systems results in less wind load, which allows for the use of lighter and more cost-effective mounting systems.

4. Better integration into the power grid

The more even distribution of energy production throughout the day puts less strain on the public electricity grid, which is particularly advantageous for larger solar power plants.

Disadvantages of the East-West orientation

Despite its advantages, there are also some aspects that should be considered when aligning east-west:

1. Lower total yield

Compared to a south-facing orientation, an east-west orientation typically achieves a slightly lower overall energy yield, as the modules absorb less sunlight per square meter.

2. Dependence on morning and afternoon sun

The efficiency of an east-west orientation depends heavily on the availability of sunlight in the morning and afternoon hours. In regions with frequent fog or cloud cover at these times, energy yield could be reduced.

When is an east-west orientation suitable?

The east-west orientation is particularly suitable for the following scenarios:

• Flat roofs: On flat roofs, the east-west orientation allows for space-saving installation with maximum module density.
• Large solar power plants: In commercial or industrial solar power plants, the more consistent energy generation ensures better grid stability.
• Self-consumption systems: Households and businesses that want to optimize their self-consumption benefit from continuous energy generation throughout the day.
• Poorly accessible south-facing locations: In cases where a south-facing orientation is not possible due to structural conditions, an east-west orientation represents an efficient alternative.

Planning and installation of East-West systems

Several points need to be considered when planning an east-west installation:

• Tilt angle: East-west oriented modules are usually installed at a shallower angle (10° to 15°) to maximize module density.
• Mounting system: Special mounting systems for flat roofs enable efficient and stable installation of the modules.
• Freedom from shadows: To ensure optimal energy yield, the roof surface should be as free as possible from shadows cast by trees, chimneys or other obstacles.

The future of the East-West orientation

With the increasing focus on self-consumption and grid stability, east-west orientation will play an increasingly important role in the solar sector. Innovative technologies such as bifacial modules, which utilize light from both sides, could further increase the efficiency of such systems. Furthermore, modern storage solutions offer the possibility of optimally utilizing and storing the consistently generated energy.

Conclusion: East-West orientation as a flexible alternative

East-west orientation is an excellent solution for solar installations that aim for consistent energy production and efficient use of roof space. Although the overall yield may be slightly lower than with a south-facing orientation, its advantages make it an attractive choice for many applications. With proper planning and technology, east-west orientation can be effectively used to contribute to the energy transition.