What if my roof faces in the wrong direction? Is solar still viable?

Yes, solar can still be worthwhile without a north facing roof. Direction affects how much electricity panels produce and when they produce it. Your household’s usage matters too.

In Australia, north facing panels usually produce the most electricity overall. East facing panels generate earlier in the morning, while west facing panels generate later in the afternoon. An installer may recommend splitting panels across different roof areas to spread production through the day.

South facing panels can also be an option, but they generally produce less electricity, especially on steep roofs. They need an assessment to establish whether the expected generation justifies the installation cost.

Shading matters alongside direction. Trees, nearby buildings and other obstructions can reduce output, with their effects changing by season. Before deciding, ask your installer to compare suitable roof areas, explain the expected generation and assess how well it matches when you use electricity.

Smarter Solar considers your roof direction, estimated shading and electricity needs to create a free personalised plan. It gives you a starting point for discussions with vetted installers, who will need to confirm your roof’s suitability and the final system design.