Solar Roof Orientation & Shading: What Hurts Production Most

Orientation: south is best, east/west is fine

True-south roofs maximize production. East or west arrays keep about 83% of south-facing output — and can actually help under time-of-use rates by shifting production to morning or evening peaks. North-facing roofs are generally not worth it.

Shading is the bigger problem

A single shaded panel on a string-inverter system can drag down the whole string. Trees, chimneys, and neighboring rooflines matter more than a few degrees of tilt. Microinverters or power optimizers minimize shade loss — worth asking your installer about.

Check your site before you commit

A good installer runs a shading analysis (often satellite + site visit). Ask for production estimates with and without shading derating, and a plan for trees that will grow. Use the PVFig ROI calculator to see how production loss changes payback.

What is the best roof orientation for solar?

True south in the US. East or west costs ~17% production but can fit time-of-use rates; north is rarely worth it.

How much does shading hurt solar panels?

Even partial shade on one panel can cut a string-inverter system's output significantly. Microinverters/optimizers reduce the loss.

Can I put solar on an east-west roof?

Yes — you lose ~17% vs south, but get morning/evening production that can align with time-of-use rates and battery charging.