While you can mount solar panels upside down, and while people have done it before, you should probably avoid mounting solar panels upside down unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so. To put all of this into perspective for you, this article is devoted to letting you know all. Besides quality panels and inverters, the effectiveness of a solar system is also largely influenced by where you place them, i. The angle tends to get overlooked, to be accurate. Determining the best location, angle, and orientation for your panels when they are being installed will help ensure maximum efficiency. So, How Much Does Angle *Really* Affect Efficiency? Factors Beyond Tilt: What Else. Orientation Impact is Massive: The difference between optimal and poor solar panel placement can impact energy production by up to 30%, making proper positioning one of the most critical factors in maximizing your solar investment return.