Can I put Solar Panels on East and West Facing Roof?

Solar panels are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses in Ireland looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. However, with a variety of panel types, sizes, and orientations available, it can be challenging to know which is the best fit for your property. One option to consider is east-west facing solar panels, which can offer unique advantages over traditional south-facing panels.

East-West Facing Solar Panels
East-west facing solar panels are installed parallel to the roofline, with half of the panels facing east and the other half facing west.

This orientation allows for more even energy production throughout the day, with the east-facing panels producing more power in the morning and the west-facing panels producing more power in the afternoon and evening.

This can be advantageous for properties that use more energy in the mornings or evenings, such as those with electric vehicles or heat pumps.

When considering east-west facing solar panels, it is essential to understand the various factors that can impact their efficiency and power output. These include the size and type of panels, the angle of the roof, and the level of shading from trees or nearby buildings.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider the upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs, as well as any available grants or planning permission requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Even Energy Production: East-west facing solar panels can offer more even energy production throughout the day.
• Efficiency Factors: Panel size, roof angle, and shading can impact efficiency and power output.
• Cost Considerations: Upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, and available grants should be considered when choosing solar panels for your property.

Solar Panels in Ireland: An Overview

Ireland is making great strides in the adoption of sustainable energy, and solar panels play a significant role in this transition. Solar panels are an excellent renewable energy source that converts sunlight into electricity for homes and businesses.

Solar panels work by capturing sunlight and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity for powering appliances. In Ireland, solar panels are typically installed on rooftops to maximize sunlight exposure.

Orientation of Solar Panels:

• South-Facing Roofs: Generally considered the best for solar panel installation due to maximum sunlight throughout the day.
• East and West-Facing Roofs: Suitable but generate less electricity compared to south-facing roofs.
• North-Facing Roofs: Not recommended due to minimal sunlight.

Benefits of Solar Panels:

• Environmental Impact: Solar panels help reduce the carbon footprint by generating electricity from a renewable source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Financial Savings: Homeowners and businesses can save on energy bills by generating their own electricity.

Overall, solar panels contribute to a sustainable future in Ireland by providing reliable electricity while reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Understanding Solar PV Panels

Solar PV Panels
Solar PV panels, or photovoltaic panels, convert sunlight into electricity. These panels consist of solar cells connected to form a module, and multiple modules create an array to generate electricity.

PV panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, which must be converted to alternating current (AC) using an inverter for home or business use.

Factors Affecting Electricity Generation:

• Panel Size: Larger panels generate more electricity.
• Solar Cell Efficiency: Higher efficiency cells produce more electricity.
• Sunlight Exposure: The amount of sunlight a panel receives varies with time of day, year, and orientation.

Installation Types:

• Roof Installation: The most common type in Ireland.
• Orientation: South-facing roofs are optimal, but east-west facing roofs can also be suitable.

East-facing panels generate more power in the morning, while west-facing panels do so in the afternoon and evening. Combining both can provide high power output from morning to evening.

Summary:
PV panels convert sunlight into electricity, producing DC electricity that an inverter converts into AC electricity. The amount of electricity generated depends on panel size, efficiency, and sunlight exposure. South-facing roofs are generally the best for PV panels in Ireland, but east-west facing roofs can also be suitable.

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Choosing the Right Panel Type and Size

When it comes to choosing the right solar panel for your East-West facing roof in Ireland, there are a few factors to consider. The type and size of the panel will have a significant impact on the amount of energy your system can generate and the overall cost of the installation.

Panel Type

There are two main types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are made from a single silicon crystal and are typically more efficient than polycrystalline panels.

However, they are also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals and are less efficient but more affordable.

In Ireland, where the weather can be unpredictable, it may be more cost-effective to opt for polycrystalline panels over monocrystalline panels. This is because the lower cost of polycrystalline panels can offset the reduced efficiency in cloudy conditions.

Panel Size

The size of your solar panel system will depend on your energy needs and the available roof space. The average system size in Ireland is around 3.5kWp and will typically take up around 20m² of roof area.

An unshaded, South-facing roof is ideal for maximum electrical output. However, if your roof faces East or West, you can still install solar panels. You would be fitting half of your solar collector on the East side of the roof to catch the morning sun and the second solar collector would be fitted on the West side for the afternoon sun.

Solar PV Panels

When considering solar panels, it's important to look for photovoltaic (PV) panels. These panels convert sunlight into electricity using semiconducting materials, such as silicon.

PV solar panels are the most common type of solar panel used in residential and commercial installations. They are reliable, efficient, and can last for up to 25 years or more.

In summary, when choosing the right solar panel for your East-West facing roof in Ireland, it's essential to consider the panel type and size.

Polycrystalline panels may be a more cost-effective option in Ireland's unpredictable weather conditions, and the size of your system will depend on your energy needs and available roof space. Look for PV solar panels for reliable and efficient energy generation.

Installation and Orientation Guide

East-West vs South-Facing Roofs

When it comes to installing solar panels on a roof, the orientation of the roof is a critical factor to consider. In Ireland, south-facing roofs are generally considered to be the most optimal for solar panel installation. However, if a property has an east-west facing roof, it is still possible to install solar panels.

While south-facing panels produce the most electricity, east-west facing panels can be a viable alternative. East-facing panels produce most power in the morning, while west-facing panels produce most power in the afternoon. In some cases, a combination of east and west-facing panels can be installed to maximize energy production throughout the day.

Optimal Angle and Direction

The optimal angle and direction for solar panels on an east-west facing roof depend on several factors, including the latitude of the property, the pitch of the roof, and the shading caused by nearby trees or buildings. As a general rule, the panels should be tilted at an angle that is equal to the latitude of the property.

The direction of the panels should be adjusted to maximize exposure to sunlight. In Ireland, the southern sky is generally brighter than the northern sky, so panels should be oriented towards the south if possible. If this is not feasible, panels can be oriented towards the southeast or southwest.

Panel Distance and Shading

The distance between the solar panels is also an important consideration. Panels should be installed with enough space between them to allow for adequate airflow and prevent shading. Shading can significantly reduce the energy production of solar panels, so it is important to ensure that there are no obstructions that could cast shadows on the panels.

If shading is unavoidable, it may be necessary to install micro-inverters or power optimizers to maximize energy production. These devices can help to mitigate the effects of shading by optimizing the output of each individual panel.

In summary, while south-facing roofs are generally considered to be the most optimal for solar panel installation in Ireland, it is still possible to install solar panels on an east-west facing roof. The optimal angle and direction for the panels should be adjusted to maximize exposure to sunlight, and care should be taken to ensure that there are no obstructions that could cause shading. By following these guidelines, homeowners can maximize the energy production of their solar panels and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources.

Efficiency and Power Output

When it comes to solar panels on an east-west facing roof in Ireland, it's important to consider the efficiency and power output of the panels. East-facing panels produce the most power in the morning, while west-facing panels produce the most power in the evening. By combining east-facing and west-facing panels in one system, homeowners can get high power output from early morning right through to late evening.

During the summer months, solar panels on an east-west facing roof in Ireland will produce more electricity than in the winter due to the longer daylight hours. However, the power output will be affected by direct sunlight. If there is shade on the roof during certain times of the day, the power output will be reduced.

It's important to note that the power output of solar panels on an east-west facing roof in Ireland may be slightly reduced compared to south-facing panels. The optimal orientation for solar panels in Ireland is south-facing, but east or west-facing roofs can still be effective. To maximize efficiency, ensure panels are free from shade and positioned for optimal sun exposure.

According to a solar panel calculator by Energy Efficiency Ireland, the annual energy production per panel for an east-west facing panel is approximately 316 kWh, with a 15% reduction due to the orientation of the panels. The annual monetary production per panel is approximately €103.75, also with a 15% reduction.

Overall, while south-facing panels may be more efficient, east-west facing panels can still provide a significant amount of electricity production in Ireland. By combining east-facing and west-facing panels, homeowners can maximize power output throughout the day.

Investment and Cost Analysis

Initial Investment

Installing solar panels on an east-west facing roof in Ireland requires an initial investment that varies depending on the size of the system and the quality of the solar panels. According to PureVolt Solar, a typical installation for a 4 kW solar panel system in 2023 costs around €6,000 to €9,000, including VAT. This cost can be offset by grants and incentives from the government, which can cover up to 40% of the total cost.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs for solar panels on an east-west facing roof are relatively low. The solar panels require little maintenance, with occasional cleaning and inspection of the system. The inverter, which converts the DC energy from the panels into AC energy for use in the home, may need to be replaced after 10-15 years, but this is a one-time cost. According to Energyd.ie, the typical maintenance cost for a solar panel system is around €100 per year.

Savings and Return on Investment

The savings and return on investment for solar panels on an east-west facing roof in Ireland depend on several factors, including the size of the system, the quality of the panels, and the amount of energy used by the household. According to RTE, a typical modern rooftop solar installation with six 400W panels can take 7-8 years to pay off at today's high electricity prices. However, the return on investment can be higher if the household uses more energy during the day when the panels are producing energy.

Solar panels can significantly reduce the household's electricity bill, with savings of up to 50% depending on the size of the system and the household's energy consumption. According to Energyd.ie, a 4 kW solar panel system can save around €800 per year on electricity bills. The return on investment for solar panels on an east-west facing roof in Ireland can be further improved by selling excess energy back to the grid, which can earn the household additional income.

In conclusion, installing solar panels on an east-west facing roof in Ireland requires an initial investment that can be offset by government grants and incentives. Maintenance costs are relatively low, and the savings and return on investment can be significant, depending on the size of the system and the household's energy consumption.

Grants and Planning Permission

In Ireland, homeowners who want to install solar panels on their east or west facing roofs may be eligible for a grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The Solar Electricity Grant provides a once-off grant towards the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for your home. To be eligible for the grant, you must apply for it and receive a grant offer from SEAI before you get your solar panels and start any work.

The grant is available to homeowners who meet certain criteria, including owning a home that was built before 2011, having a south-facing roof area of at least 21 square meters, and having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C3 or better. The grant amount varies depending on the size of the system installed, but it typically covers around 30% of the total cost of installation.

It is important to note that if your home is a protected structure or located within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), you may need planning permission to install solar panels. However, the Irish government has recently introduced new planning permission exemptions for rooftop solar panels on homes and other buildings. Homeowners may now install unlimited solar panels on their rooftops without any requirement for planning permission (subject to certain conditions).

These exemptions also apply to rooftops of industrial buildings, business premises, community and educational buildings, places of worship, health buildings, libraries, and farms. So, if you are planning to install solar panels on your east or west facing roof, it is important to check if you need planning permission and if you are eligible for a grant from SEAI.

Solar Energy and the Grid

Solar energy is a renewable source of electricity that has the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. When solar panels generate electricity, it is either used immediately in the home or business where the panels are installed or sent to the grid for others to use.

When solar panels generate more electricity than is needed, the excess energy can be sent back to the grid. In Ireland, homeowners who generate excess energy can receive payments for the surplus energy they produce. This process is known as net metering and is available to those who have solar panels connected to the national grid.

The grid is the system that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. When solar panels generate electricity, it is sent to the grid and mixed with electricity from other sources. This means that the electricity that is delivered to homes and businesses is a mix of energy from various sources, including solar power.

Solar power is a clean and renewable source of electricity that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By generating electricity from solar panels, homeowners and businesses can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Overall, solar energy has the potential to play an important role in the transition to renewable electricity in Ireland. As the technology continues to improve and become more affordable, it is likely that more homeowners and businesses will invest in solar panels to generate their own electricity and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Solar Panels for Businesses and Farms

Solar panels can be a great investment for businesses and farms in Ireland. By generating their own electricity, businesses and farms can reduce their energy bills and even earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid.

When it comes to choosing the right solar panel system for a business or farm, it's important to consider the orientation of the roof. While south-facing roofs are ideal for solar panels, east-west facing roofs can still be suitable. In fact, east-facing panels produce the most power in the morning, while west-facing panels produce the most power in the evening. By combining east-facing and west-facing panels in one system, businesses and farms can get high power output from early morning right through to late evening.

For farms, solar panels can be particularly beneficial. According to a solar survey conducted in Ireland, farms with solar panels can save up to €3,000 per year on their energy bills. Additionally, solar panels can help to reduce a farm's carbon footprint and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

Dairy farms, in particular, can benefit from solar panels as they require a lot of energy to power their milking machines and refrigeration units. By generating their own electricity, dairy farms can reduce their energy bills and improve their bottom line.

When it comes to installing solar panels on a business or farm, it's important to work with a reputable installer who has experience in the industry. They can help to design and install a system that meets the specific needs of the business or farm, and ensure that it is installed safely and correctly.

Overall, solar panels can be a great investment for businesses and farms in Ireland. By generating their own electricity, they can reduce their energy bills, improve their bottom line, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.