In the northern hemisphere, the general rule for solar panel placement is, solar panels should face true south (and in the southern, true north). Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day.

Do solar panels need to face south?

Solar panels do not have to be pointed in just one direction; a homeowner can buy a device called a tracker that will pivot them, over the course of the day, like a sunflower, so they always face the sun. A tracker can raise the output of a panel by 45 percent.

Does it matter which way you mount solar panels?

While most solar panels are installed horizontally, there is also valid reasons for placing them vertically, according to Modernize.com: Fewer rails are required to mount a solar panel vertically instead of horizontally. Horizontal solar panels require about twice as many railings and mountings to be installed.

Can I have solar panels on an east facing roof?

You could install all your panels on the east roof and take as much sun as you can in the mornings. They would all then be in the shade during the second half of the day.