During installation, what is the importance of orientation for solar panels?

The importance of orientation for solar panels primarily lies in its ability to maximize sunlight exposure and energy production. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, so their effectiveness is highly dependent on their positioning relative to the sun's path.

Optimal orientation ensures that panels receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day and across different seasons. For many locations, this typically means positioning solar panels to face south in the northern hemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere, depending on local latitude and environmental factors. By maximizing sunlight exposure, the energy production levels increase, leading to better efficiency and a higher return on investment.

Other aspects such as installation costs, maintenance, and stability may be factors in a solar panel system's life cycle, but they do not directly influence the efficiency of energy conversion in the same way that proper orientation does. Hence, focusing on maximizing exposure to sunlight has the most significant impact on the overall efficacy of solar energy systems.