We model the self-assembly of superlattices of colloidal semiconducting nanorods horizontally and vertically oriented on material substrates. The models include van der Waals and Coulombic coupling between nanorods with intrinsic electric dipoles and their coupling to the substrates. We also investigate the effect of external electric fields on the self-assembly processes. Our theoretical predictions for stable self-assembled superlattices agree well with the available experimental data.