I was under the impresion direction no longer mattered as the photovoltaic cell could convert light under cloudy conditions, the discusion as I recall is how to make them more efficient, which one company has appeared to have done/doing, though not in production yet

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/energy/news/hybrid-solar-panel-heats-water-while-generating-electricity/1012110.article

always learning so correct me if wrong

Ps, car solar panels are getting better as well

Edited by bolt on 24/08/2015 at 08:58

It is obvious to any physicist that you get the greatest output when sunlight is landing perpendicular to the panel, which then (a) presents the largest area and (b) reflects least of the incident light. In this country the sun is never directly overhead, so the slope of your roof will also have a bearing, if you hope to get some output early or late in the day.

My panels have been running now for 4 years, and I find that output can be surprisingly high on a sunny day with a fair amount of bright cloud. In morning or late afternoon reflection from the cloud can add significantly. Facing anywhere between SE and SW will get good results.

The solar panel orientation can ask something with the custom service of xxxx

Edited by Avant on 11/09/2015 at 00:26

Obviously you will get the best overall output over time with them facing due south.

But you have to have a roof that faces due south to mount them on!!!!!!!

Getting 2kW from a 4Kw system by facing east or west is better than getting nothing because you haven't got a south facing roof. And iirc you still get the same FITS!