East-west solar panels in Melbourne
If your roof doesn't face north, solar is still worth a look. Here is what east and west-facing panels actually make in Melbourne, and when they beat north.
Updated November 2026 · Litmec Electrical, REC-10383
East-facing panels in Melbourne make about 85% of the yearly output of north-facing panels, and west-facing about 85%. Adding roughly two or three panels to a 15-panel system (about 18 instead of 15) makes up the gap.
Because east panels peak in the morning and west panels in the afternoon, an east-west system often covers more of a household's own use than the same number of panels facing north.
The numbers
- North, per kW
- 1,438 kWh/yr
- East, per kW
- 1,224 kWh/yr
- West, per kW
- 1,216 kWh/yr
- North-west, per kW
- 1,376 kWh/yr
The gap is smallest in summer, when the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and largest in winter, when it stays low in the north. In June, west-facing panels make about 61% of north-facing output; in December, about 100%.
When east-west beats north
- You use power morning and late afternoon. Breakfast, school pick-up, cooking and air conditioning line up with east and west generation, so more is used at 30c instead of exported for a few cents.
- Your inverter is the limit. On single phase, an east-west array can be larger than the inverter without wasting much, because the two faces don't peak at the same time.
- West faces summer peaks. West panels keep making power into the hot late afternoon, when air conditioners run.
When it doesn't
If you're out all day and use most power at night, direction matters less than a battery. And a heavily shaded west face on a two-storey street is a different story: we check the afternoon shade on the site visit.
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Questions
Are east-west solar panels worth it in Melbourne?
Usually yes. They make about 85% of north-facing output, a few extra panels closes the gap, and generation spreads across the day to match household use.
Is west or east better for solar in Melbourne?
They are almost identical over a year. West suits homes that use more in the late afternoon and evening, east suits early risers. Many systems use both.
Should I put all my panels on the north side?
If the north face fits the system and is unshaded, it gives the most kWh per panel. If it doesn't, splitting across north and west or east costs little and can raise how much you use yourself.
Check it on your roof
One minute online, then a free visit from a licensed electrician who checks your roof and switchboard.