Optimizing photovoltaic panel orientation for peak demand management

The mismatch between the midday peak of solar energy production and the late-afternoon residential electricity demand presents a significant challenge for maximizing the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Jordan. Storage solutions, while effective, are costly and not widely feasible for residential use. A 5 kWp PV system size was selected for this study to explore the potential of optimizing PV panel orientations to better align energy production with demand, reducing reliance on storage and enhancing cost-efficiency. Using PVsyst simulations, the performance of five orientations—South, East, West, Southeast, and Southwest—was analyzed to assess their energy production patterns, performance ratios, and alignment with peak demand periods for representative days across the year. The results show that while South-facing panels produce the highest total energy, West and Southwest orientations better align with late-afternoon and evening on-peak demand, contributing 9% and 6%, respectively, compared to 3% for South-facing panels. Southeast and Southwest orientations also deliver near-optimal total energy output, approximately 96% of the South-facing configuration. A mixed-orientation system is recommended to balance total production and interval-specific demand, ensuring optimal grid integration and cost efficiency.