Anyone who has looked into photovoltaics before is familiar with the classic advice: “The system must face south, ideally at a tilt of 30–35 degrees.” But how much of this still applies to modern solar carports?
The short answer: Much less than you might think.
At AmperaPark, we use PV carports with low inclines of around 10 degrees, which greatly reduces the dependency on cardinal direction. In fact, even a north-facing orientation can be sensible and economically viable in certain cases.
We provide a well-founded overview based on insights from over 40 completed solar carport projects across Europe.
Depending on the location, available space, and intended use of the electricity, different orientations may be suitable:
The classic “best-case scenario” – maximum solar exposure around midday.
More even power generation throughout the day. Ideal for charging infrastructure. Also advantageous for relieving grid congestion, as most solar installations are oriented southward.
Once dismissed as uneconomical, now increasingly viable thanks to low tilt angles and bifacial modules – especially when other orientations are not feasible due to site constraints.
Ideal in cases of limited space or partial shading.
Important: Choosing a “non-optimal” orientation does not automatically mean a solar carport isn’t worthwhile.
The low tilt angle of our systems ensures that even north-facing PV surfaces can deliver economically viable yields – particularly when the generated power is consumed directly on-site.
| Orientation | Daily Yield Pattern | Total Output* | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| South | Peak at midday | High | High daily yield, classic for rooftop systems |
| East-West | Balanced throughout the day | Approx. 90–95% of south | Ideal for businesses with electric mobility |
| North | Lower, steady | Approx. 70–80% of south | Feasible thanks to low tilt and smart energy management systems (EMS) |
| Southeast / Southwest | Offset peaks | High (depending on angle) | Good compromise between yield and practical site conditions |
*Compared to a south-facing system under optimal conditions.
Especially in the context of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, smart power distribution is more important than sheer peak output:
Our intelligent EMS (Energy Management Systems) distribute the generated solar power in a grid-friendly way, based on real-time data, weather forecasts, and user needs.
A client from the public sector was limited to a north-facing parking area due to existing building structures. Thanks to a low-slope carport design and semi-transparent solar modules, the actual yield still reached around 75% of a comparable south-facing project.
By combining the system with an Energy Management System (EMS) and a custom load profile to control charging operations, the project became economically viable and self-consumption was even optimized.
One major difference compared to traditional rooftop PV systems:
Our solar carports are built with a low incline, typically at a 10-degree tilt. This results in several advantages:
The tilt is intentionally designed to ensure that even less-than-ideal orientations can still generate meaningful electricity output, especially when the energy is used directly on-site.
While south-facing systems still deliver the highest yields, they are no longer the only viable option for modern solar carport projects. East-west orientations are often ideal for charging infrastructure, and even north-facing setups can be economically viable, especially when paired with intelligent energy management.
The key question is:
How and when will the electricity be used?
Our experts at AmperaPark will analyze your project free of charge and without obligation, including site factors, grid connection, and optimal orientation.
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