For years, the “golden rule” of solar was simple: put panels on the south-facing roof or don’t bother. But here in the Bay Area, modern energy needs and new utility rules have changed the game. At West Coast Solar, we know that chasing the southern sun isn’t the only way to save. In fact, splitting your array between East and West can actually provide better reliable, all-day power for many homes.
As the best solar company serving this region, we look at your specific energy usage profile, not just your roof line. Here is why an East/West orientation might be the smartest design for your home. Get in touch today.
Capturing the “Shoulder” Hours
A South-facing system produces a massive spike of energy at noon—often more than you can use. An East/West split creates a “wider” production window. Your East panels wake up early to power your coffee maker and morning routine, while the West panels keep working late into the afternoon to cover air conditioning and evening chores.
Dominating Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates
In California, electricity is most expensive between 4 PM and 9 PM. South-facing panels often drop off right when these peak rates kick in. West-facing panels are the secret weapon here; they soak up the late afternoon sun, offsetting your usage during the most expensive hours of the day. Experienced home solar installers use this strategy to kill your bill where it hurts the most.
Optimizing for NEM 3.0
Under California’s new Net Metering (NEM 3.0) rules, selling power back to the grid is less profitable than it used to be. The new goal is “self-consumption”—using the power as you generate it. By spreading generation across the morning and evening (when you are actually home), an East/West system reduces the amount of cheap power you send to the grid and maximizes the free power you use yourself.
Maximizing Roof Real Estate
Limiting yourself to only the south roof limits your system size. By utilizing East and West planes, you can install a larger system that offsets more of your total annual usage. Commercial solar installers often use this “dual-tilt” method on flat roofs to pack more density into the same square footage without panels casting shadows on each other.
Smoother Battery Charging
If you are looking for solar panel systems for sale that include a battery, East/West is a perfect match. The consistent, steady stream of power from sunrise to sunset ensures your battery charges gently throughout the day, rather than being blasted with a short, intense noon spike that might be wasted if the battery is already full.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
With the right design, an East/West orientation can be even more financially savvy than the traditional approach. When you are ready to explore your roof’s potential, trust the best solar installers in the Bay Area to design a system that fits your life. Call West Coast Solar today.
