The orientation of the solar panel is very important. Solar panels receive the most energy when the sun's rays hit the panel surface vertically. Making sure your solar panels are oriented in the right direction and have the proper slope will help ensure they produce the most energy when exposed to the highest intensity of sunlight for the longest period of time.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the general rule for solar panel placement is that the solar panels should face due south (in the south, due north). Usually this is the best orientation as the solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day. However, the difference between Magnetic South and True South must be considered. Magnetic South is the "south" displayed when using a compass, and this south points to the Earth's South Pole. However, solar panels need to face the solar or geographic south, i.e. towards the south pole. By the same token, if the solar panel is located in the southern hemisphere, the panel should face true north.

The angle or inclination of the solar panel is also an important consideration. The angle at which solar panels produce the most energy in a given year depends on geographic latitude. A general rule for optimal annual energy production is to set the solar panel tilt angle equal to the geographic latitude.

To sum up, the best orientation of solar panels is: Northern Hemisphere - South, Southern Hemisphere - North. The angle of inclination of the solar panel is also a major factor affecting the energy harvesting.