What if your business or facility could generate solar power all day long—even in snow-heavy regions, tight urban sites, or areas with limited rooftop availability?
That’s exactly what vertical solar installations are making possible.
In a new YouTube breakdown, DIY solar enthusiast Projects With Everyday Dave explores how vertical solar setups—especially when paired with bifacial panels—are transforming solar efficiency in real-world environments. While his findings are residential in scale, the underlying data offers compelling insights for commercial developers, infrastructure planners, and large-scale property owners exploring smarter, space-efficient solar solutions.
What Is Vertical Solar?
Vertical solar refers to solar panels mounted upright (typically at a 90° angle), often facing east and west to capture sunlight throughout the day. Unlike traditional rooftop arrays tilted south, vertical orientation offers distinct advantages for large-scale applications:
- Better solar generation in morning and afternoon hours
- Reduced snow and debris accumulation
- Installation flexibility along fences, façades, and perimeters
While bifacial panels (which generate energy from both sides) amplify these benefits, orientation is the real innovation, offering commercial projects new opportunities to integrate solar without sacrificing space or accessibility.
“You get morning sun on one side, and then afternoon sun on the other—it’s like having two shifts of power generation,” Dave explains.
Commercial Advantages: Where Vertical Solar Excels
Dave’s real-world data points to several key advantages that scale beautifully for business, industrial, and infrastructure use cases:
Reliable Performance in Snowy or Harsh Conditions
In colder climates, snow accumulation on rooftop panels causes maintenance headaches and production loss. Vertical panels eliminate buildup and maintain consistent output year-round—crucial for mission-critical facilities and distributed energy systems.
“No need to brush them off—huge for snowy regions,” Dave notes.
Dual-Peak Output = Smarter Load Matching
East-west vertical arrays create dual generation peaks—morning and late afternoon—closely aligning with real-world commercial energy consumption, reducing demand spikes and enhancing storage and load management strategies.
“Those dual peaks show up clearly in the winter months,” says Dave, citing side-by-side production tests.
Maximize Vertical Surfaces & Unused Perimeters
In dense commercial zones, rooftop space is often limited or reserved. Vertical solar enables energy generation from:
- Parking lot boundaries
- Security fences
- Sound barriers
- Retaining walls and building façades
This unlocks energy potential from unused vertical surfaces—turning barriers into power-generating assets.
“You can tuck solar into edges and margins—ideal for tight commercial footprints,” Dave shares.
Performance in Real-World Conditions
While Dave shows that total average production for vertical panels is generally less than tilted panels, he explains that “In cloudy or snowy weather, the vertical setup held its own—even beat roof panels on some days.” So, even with variable weather, vertical panels proved surprisingly competitive. Sometimes they outperforming rooftop arrays, especially during:
- Cloud cover
- Snow events
- Morning and evening load periods
- Soiling (natural dust buildup)
Speaking of morning and evening load periods (as seen in Figure 1), pairing east-west vertical arrays with north-south bifacial configurations, such as perimeter fences or site boundaries, can create a balanced, full-day generation profile. This is particularly ideal for commercial operations with long or irregular hours.
Figure 1: A diurnal power generation curve from the Sunzaun test site in Visalia, California, recorded on a day in mid-August 2024. All systems use the same module model; the only variable is orientation and tilt.
Application Spotlight: Where Vertical Solar Fits in Commercial Settings
Vertical solar is well-suited for:
- Industrial, commercial, and private spaces such hospitals, data centers, and energy-intensive campuses
- Agrivoltaic and rural infrastructure projects
- Municipal and transportation facilities
- Developments with limited roof access
It avoids challenges like:
- Roof penetrations and structural retrofits
- Shading from HVAC units or architecture
- Safety clearances and access issues
“If your roof isn’t ideal, don’t force it. Go vertical. It’s scalable, accessible, and flexible,” says Dave.
Cost Considerations & Long-Term Value
While vertical arrays may require custom racking and bifacial panel premiums, the maintenance savings, flexible siting, and year-round reliability offer a compelling value proposition for long-term energy planning.
“In some climates, vertical systems may even outperform roof setups annually—especially when snow and shading are factors,” Dave emphasizes.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Fit for Forward-Thinking Projects
Vertical solar isn’t just a niche idea—it’s a scalable design solution for commercial and infrastructure leaders looking to future-proof their energy strategy. From greater surface utilization to more consistent load matching, vertical systems offer a modular, resilient, and strategic path forward.
“It’s not just about cramming panels on a roof anymore,” Dave concludes. “Vertical solar gives you options—and at scale, those options make a lot of sense.”
Watch the Full Videos
🔗 Visit Projects With Everyday Dave on YouTube for real-world performance tests and innovative solar design ideas.
