East West Facing Solar Panels: Maximize Roof Energy & Installation Savings

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Admin February 21, 2026 • 98 views

East West Facing Solar Panels: A Roofer's 15-Year Guide to Smarter Energy

My name is Mike, and I've been installing roofs and solar systems in Texas for over 15 years. Our team at Kingwood Roofing has completed more than 2,000 roofing projects. We hold certifications from GAF, CertainTeed, and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This article exists because homeowners keep asking us the same question. They want solar power but think their roof isn't ideal. Many roofs face east and west, not perfectly south. This guide solves that problem. We will show you how east-west solar setups work. You will learn how to maximize energy production on any roof. This information comes from our real customer projects. We studied industry data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. We reviewed manufacturer specifications from companies like Tesla and SunPower. We follow building codes from the International Residential Code. Our recommendations are based on what actually works on Texas homes.

This guide provides direct answers. It saves you time researching. You will get clear information from a contractor who has been on your roof. We will cover technical details, costs, materials, and installation. We include real project examples from our work in Kingwood and surrounding areas. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision. You should feel confident about solar on your east-west roof after reading. Let's begin with the basics of how this system works.

Understanding East-West Solar Panel Orientation

Traditional solar advice always says to face panels south. This is true for maximum peak sun hours. But many homes have roofs that face east and west. This is very common in suburban developments. An east-west setup places panels on both sides of your roof. East-facing panels capture morning sun. West-facing panels capture afternoon and evening sun. Together, they produce energy throughout the day. The production curve is flatter and more extended. This can better match a home's electricity usage patterns.

How Sun Path Affects Your Roof

The sun moves across the sky from east to west. Its angle changes with the seasons. In summer, the sun is higher. In winter, the sun is lower. East-west panels receive direct sunlight for more hours. South-facing panels get intense midday sun. But they may produce less in the morning and evening. Your roof's pitch, or slope, also matters. A steeper roof changes the panel's angle to the sun. We use tools like a solar pathfinder on every job. This shows the sun's path over your specific roof. Shading from trees or chimneys is also critical. We analyze all these factors before designing a system.

The Science Behind Energy Production

Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter changes this to alternating current (AC) for your home. Panel efficiency measures how well they convert sunlight. Modern panels are around 20-22% efficient. East-west orientation affects the "insolation" or solar radiation received. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), east-west systems can achieve 80-95% of the output of a south-facing system. The exact percentage depends on your location. In Texas, we often see 85-90% production. This is more than enough to cover most homes' energy needs.

Real Contractor Insights: Benefits Beyond the Obvious

Homeowners often focus only on total energy production. As installers, we see other important benefits. East-west systems can use more of your roof's available space. You are not limited to just the south-facing section. This allows for a larger overall system size. You can install more panels and generate more total power. This is great for homes with high energy usage or electric vehicles. The power production is also more consistent throughout the day. You send less excess power to the grid at noon. You pull less power from the grid in the evening. This can improve your net metering economics with some utility companies.

Structural and Aesthetic Advantages

From a roofing perspective, weight distribution is better. Placing panels on two roof planes spreads the load. This is easier on your roof's framing. It also often looks more balanced and symmetrical. Many homeowners prefer this aesthetic. It doesn't make one side of the roof look heavily loaded. We also consider future roof maintenance. Having panels on two sides can sometimes complicate re-roofing. But with proper planning and mounting systems, it is manageable. We always design with the next roof replacement in mind.

Mitigating Peak Demand and Grid Stress

East-west systems produce power when people need it most. West-facing panels produce strongly in the late afternoon. This is when air conditioners are running hard in Texas. This "peak shaving" is valuable for the overall electrical grid. Some utilities offer incentives for systems that reduce peak demand. The U.S. Department of Energy promotes diversified solar orientation. It helps create a more resilient energy system. Your home contributes to community stability.

Cost Analysis: Investment vs. Return on East-West Systems

Cost is a major concern for every homeowner. The good news is that east-west systems often cost about the same as south-facing ones. The number of panels, inverters, and labor is similar. The main cost drivers are system size and equipment quality. We will break down a typical project from last month. A 2,800 square foot home in Kingwood wanted solar. Their roof faced 15 degrees east of south and 15 degrees west of north. We installed a 10.8 kW system using 27 panels.

  • Panel Cost: 27 Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ panels from Q Cells - $8,100
  • Inverter Cost: Two SolarEdge SE7600H inverters - $3,800
  • Racking/Mounting: IronRidge XR100 system - $2,200
  • Labor & Permitting: Installation, electrical work, city permits - $6,500
  • Total Gross Cost: Approximately $20,600
  • Federal Tax Credit (30%): Reduces cost by $6,180
  • Net Cost After Incentive: Approximately $14,420

This system is projected to produce 14,500 kWh annually. At the local electricity rate of $0.13 per kWh, that saves $1,885 per year. The simple payback period is about 7.6 years. Panels have a 25-year performance warranty. That's over 17 years of essentially free electricity after payback. These are real numbers from a real project. Your costs will vary based on your specific roof and energy needs.

Financing and Incentive Opportunities

Texas offers several solar incentives. The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the biggest. It is 30% of the total system cost through 2032. Some Texas utilities offer rebates for installed capacity. Oncor service area sometimes has specific programs. Texas also has property tax exemptions for solar additions. Your home value increases but your taxes don't. There is also no state sales tax on solar equipment. Financing options include solar loans, home equity loans, and cash purchases. We recommend getting multiple quotes. Always check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for current programs.

Material Selection: Panels, Inverters, and Racking for Dual Orientation

Choosing the right equipment is crucial for east-west success. Not all panels perform equally on different orientations. We recommend panels with good low-light performance. They should also have high temperature coefficients for Texas heat. For inverters, you need a system that handles two separate roof planes. Microinverters or power optimizers are often ideal. They allow each panel to operate independently. Shading on one panel doesn't affect the whole string. Let's compare the main options from our hands-on experience.

Solar Panel Technology Comparison

Monocrystalline panels are the most common and efficient. They perform well in various light conditions. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but slightly less efficient. Thin-film panels are less common for residential roofs. They need more space. We typically use premium monocrystalline panels. Brands like LG, SunPower, and Panasonic are excellent. REC and Q Cells offer great value. All must meet UL 1703 safety standards. They should have a strong warranty from a manufacturer that will be around. We provide a workmanship warranty on the installation itself. This covers any issues with how the panels are attached to your roof.

Inverter Systems: String vs. Microinverters

String inverters connect panels in series. They are cost-effective for simple, unshaded roofs. For east-west setups, we often prefer systems with power optimizers. SolarEdge is a popular choice. It uses optimizers at each panel. Then a central inverter converts the power. This allows different orientations and shading conditions. Microinverters, like Enphase IQ8, are another great option. Each panel has its own small inverter. This maximizes production from each roof plane. Microinverters are very reliable. If one fails, only one panel is affected. The rest keep producing. We discuss both options with homeowners. We consider roof layout, shading, and budget.

Mounting and Racking Systems

The racking system attaches panels to your roof. It must be strong, corrosion-resistant, and code-compliant. We use aluminum racking from IronRidge or Unirac. These systems are engineered for high wind loads. Texas building codes require resistance to 90 mph winds in our area. Some areas need 110 mph or more. The racking must be flashed and sealed properly. We use industry-best practices from the Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP+) guidelines. We never penetrate the roof's main waterproofing layer. All penetrations are flashed with metal and sealant. We also maintain proper airflow under the panels. This keeps them cooler and more efficient.

Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide from the Roof

Installing an east-west system requires careful planning. We follow a proven process developed over hundreds of installations. First, we conduct a site assessment. We measure your roof, note obstructions, and check the electrical panel. We design the system layout using specialized software. We submit plans for permits from the city and utility. Once approved, we schedule the installation. Here is what happens during the typical 2-3 day installation.

Day 1: Roof Preparation and Mounting. Our crew arrives with all equipment. We set up safety equipment and ground protection. We map out exactly where each panel will go. We install flashings at every rafter location. We attach the mounting rails to these flashings. We ensure everything is level, straight, and secure. We seal every penetration with high-grade roofing sealant. This is the most critical step for preventing leaks.

Day 2: Panel and Electrical Installation. We carefully lift panels onto the roof. We attach them to the mounting rails with clamps. We connect the electrical wiring between panels. We install the inverters, either on the roof or near the electrical panel. We run conduit from the roof to the inverter location. All wiring follows the National Electrical Code (NEC). We particularly follow Article 690 for solar photovoltaic systems.

Day 3: Inspection and Commissioning. The city inspector comes to review the work. They check structural attachments, electrical connections, and labeling. After passing inspection, the utility company installs a net meter. This meter tracks power sent to and taken from the grid. We then turn the system on and test it. We show the homeowner how to monitor production via a phone app. We provide all documentation and warranties.

Practical Homeowner Tips from Real Projects

Based on our experience, here are actionable tips for homeowners. These come from common questions and situations we've encountered.

  • Get a Roof Inspection First: If your roof is over 10 years old, have it inspected. Solar panels last 25+ years. You don't want to remove them for a re-roof in 5 years. It adds significant cost. We offer combined roofing and solar assessments.
  • Understand Your Energy Usage: Look at your last 12 months of electricity bills. Know your average monthly kWh usage. This helps size your system correctly. An east-west system may need to be slightly larger to meet the same goal.
  • Consider Future Needs: Are you planning an electric vehicle? A pool? More children? These increase energy use. It's cheaper to oversize slightly during initial installation. Most inverters can handle adding a few more panels later.
  • Trim Trees Before Installation: Address any shading issues before we start. Trimming branches is easier before panels are on the roof. It also gives a clearer view for the optimal layout.
  • Ask About Maintenance: Solar systems need little maintenance. But you should plan to clean panels occasionally. Dust and pollen can reduce output. We recommend an annual check of the monitoring system.
  • Review Your Homeowner's Insurance: Call your insurance agent. Ensure your policy covers the added value of the solar system. Most do, but it's good to confirm. The system is considered a permanent attachment to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do east-west solar panels work as well as south-facing?

They work very well, just differently. A perfectly south-facing system gets the highest total peak sun. But east-west systems produce more power in the morning and evening. This often matches home usage better. Overall, you might get 10-15% less total energy. But the value of the energy can be higher if your utility has time-of-use rates.

2. Will an east-west system power my whole house?

Yes, absolutely. The system is sized based on your historical energy use. If you use 12,000 kWh per year, we design a system to produce that. With east-west, we might need a few more panels to hit the same number. But it can completely offset your electricity bill.

3. Is my roof strong enough for panels on two sides?

Most modern residential roofs are built to code. They can handle the added weight of solar panels. Panels and racking add about 3-5 pounds per square foot. We perform a structural analysis as part of the design. If there are concerns, we can reinforce the attic framing. This is rare but part of our standard evaluation.

4. What happens during a power outage?

Standard grid-tied solar systems shut off during an outage. This is a safety requirement for utility workers. To have power during an outage, you need a solar battery backup system. Batteries like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell store excess energy. When the grid goes down, they can power critical circuits in your home.

5. How do hail and storms affect east-west panels?

Solar panels are tested to withstand hail. Most are rated for 1-inch hail at 50+ mph impact. Texas storms can be severe. We install panels with high hail ratings. We also ensure your homeowner's insurance covers them. In our 15 years, we've seen very few panels damaged by hail. The roof shingles underneath are often more vulnerable.

6. Can I install panels myself to save money?

We strongly advise against DIY solar on your roof. The electrical work is complex and dangerous. The roof penetrations must be waterproofed perfectly. A small leak can cause thousands in damage. Improper installation can void equipment warranties. It can also invalidate your homeowner's insurance for electrical fires. Professional installation ensures safety, performance, and longevity.

7. How long does the installation process take from start to finish?

The timeline varies. The design and permitting phase takes 2-4 weeks. The physical installation takes 2-3 days. Then waiting for inspection and utility connection can take 1-2 weeks. From signing a contract to turning the system on, plan for 6-8 weeks on average. We manage the entire process for our customers.

Real Project Case Studies with Outcomes

Case Study 1: The Johnson Residence, Kingwood. This home had a classic east-west roof with a 6/12 pitch. The homeowners used 14,000 kWh annually. We installed a 11.2 kW system with 28 panels split 14 east and 14 west. We used SolarEdge optimizers and inverter. In the first year, it produced 13,650 kWh. This was 97% of their usage. Their electric bill dropped from $1,500 per year to a $100 annual true-up. They were thrilled with the consistent production throughout the day.

Case Study 2: The Garcia Family, Atascocita. Their roof had significant afternoon shading from large oak trees. A south-facing system was not optimal. We designed an east-heavy system. We placed 18 panels on the east roof and 10 on the west. We used Enphase microinverters to mitigate shading on the west side. The system produces 12,100 kWh per year. It covers 100% of their usage because they are a energy-conscious family. The key was customizing the layout to their specific roof conditions.

Industry Statistics and Future Trends

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports strong growth. Texas is now the 2nd largest solar market in the U.S. for utility-scale projects. Residential solar is growing over 30% annually. According to Energy Texas, more than 50% of new residential installations are on non-optimal roof orientations. This includes east-west, north, and shaded roofs. Advanced inverters and panel technologies make this possible. The cost of solar has dropped over 70% in the last decade. Battery storage adoption is increasing rapidly. Over 20% of new solar installations in Texas now include a battery. This trend will continue as power reliability concerns grow.

Conclusion: Your Path to Solar on an East-West Roof

An east-west facing roof is not a barrier to solar energy. It is an opportunity for a smart, balanced system. You can significantly reduce or eliminate your electricity bill. You increase your home's value and energy independence. The technology and financing make it accessible for most homeowners. The key is working with an experienced, certified installer. They will design a system tailored to your specific roof and needs.

Start by understanding your energy usage. Get a professional roof assessment. Then obtain 2-3 detailed quotes from reputable companies. Ask about their experience with east-west installations. Review their warranties and certifications. Check references from past customers. The investment pays for itself in less than a decade. Then you enjoy decades of clean, low-cost energy. Your roof can do more than just protect you from the rain. It can power your home and your future.

If you have questions about your specific roof in the Kingwood area, we are here to help. Our team offers free, no-obligation assessments. We combine roofing expertise with solar knowledge. This ensures your project is successful for the long term. Thank you for taking the time to learn about this important home improvement.