Why is it better to have solar panels face west rather than east?
Question:
Answer:
Solar panels should never be pointed west or east. They should be set to absorb as much day time solar energy as possible from both east and west so that means SOUTH only! Be sure there is no shading from trees in your location or you woun't benefit from full energy output. I recommend you pick up a issue of "HOME POWER" magazine and become familiar with how to do installations. In addition many solar supply houses have free information for the installation of solar power systems.
I suspect because solar panels do not hold solar energy indefinitely. So when they're most needed (i.e. at night), it's best if they were charged recently. Since the sun sinks in the west, angling them that way would give the panels maximum exposure just before nightfall.
Power needs (for AC) are highest in the afternoon.
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