You can buy the best panels and inverter money can offer, but point them the wrong way and you leave generation on the table every single day. Orientation and tilt are quiet but real factors in how much your solar produces.
Face north
In the southern hemisphere, the sun tracks across the northern sky — so panels should face north for maximum annual output. North-facing panels capture the most sun across the day and through the seasons. East or west facing still generates, but less.
Get the angle right
The ideal tilt is roughly your latitude — about 26° for Johannesburg — for the best year-round output. Many pitched roofs are close enough that panels mount flush; on flat or poorly-angled roofs, tilt frames set the optimal angle.
It is a design decision
If your consumption peaks in the morning or evening, a good installer may deliberately orient or split the array to match your usage rather than just chasing peak midday output. That is the difference between a kit slapped on a roof and a system designed for your home.
Roof doesn't face north?
Most homes still go solar successfully — arrays can be split across roof faces or tilted to improve orientation. A proper site assessment finds the best layout for your roof and consumption. See solar power or book an assessment.