Previously we wrote about optimal pitch for a solar PV installation, somewhere between 20 and 30 degrees and facing south. As a general rule this is still absolutely true. Although there are a few nuances that are worth mentioning. Orientation of your panels, specifically which direction they face is the most important factor in determining how much power you’ll generate, and south facing gets you the optimal exposure throughout the day. However, you might also want to consider how much power you use and more specifically when you use it.
For many of us who work 9 to 5 jobs, our house is mostly empty during the day and we’re not using a lot of power, mornings and afternoons are more busy at home, showers, dishwashers, laundry, cooking etc… some installers recommend a slight orientation to the west to catch a little more sun in the afternoon, or east to catch sun in the morning. If you’ve seen homes with solar on different sides of the roof, there’s a good chance that the home is catching sun throughout the day.
Whether or not you are going to opt in for battery backup is another