What is Best Direction for Solar Panels to face in the UK to get maximum output?

It is commonly thought that the best direction for solar panels to point in the UK is due South. However some recent research has apparently shown that the best direction for generating electricity from your solar panels is actually west as it captures more the afternoon sunlight.

I'm not sure how valid this research is and whether it will be backed up by further studies but it certainly ties in with our PV solar panels producing well above estimated amounts of electricity over the last 3 years. With the natural variation of sunlight you would need 2 sets of solar panels in the same location with identical setups to be able to compare outputs.

Our solar panels face SSW and 3kWp of solar PV Panels have generated over 3000kWh of electricity each year compared to the estimates of around 2400kWh per year.



Best Direction for Solar Panels to face in the UK to get maximum output