Optimum Sun Angle For Solar Panels

Here two simple methods for calculating approximate solar panel angle according to your latitude.

Optimum sun angle for solar panels.

Orientation of the panels. While the angle of your solar panels is important a more important factor in your energy production is going to be the direction your panels face. During the winter in the northern hemisphere for example the sun is low in relation to the horizon. Pick one angle and leave it alone or adjust the tilt a few times per year to optimize seasonal production.

First of all in the choice of the tilt angle for solar panels on a house roof we are bound to satisfy two basic needs. Optimum angle differs during winter months. There s a simple rule of thumb for calculating the best tilt angle for fixed mount solar panels. The other half of the equation is finding the vertical angle or tilt of your solar panels.

The tilt of the panels is important because your panels will produce a maximum of energy when the sun is directly perpendicular to them. This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere. In the spring summer and autumn the efficiency is lower 74 75 in spring autumn and 68 74 in summer because in these seasons the sun travels a larger area of the sky and a fixed panel can t. You have a couple options here.

This solar angle calculator tells you the optimum angle to get the best out of your system. Calculating the optimal solar panel angle as a rule of thumb solar panels should be more vertical during winter to gain most of the low winter sun and more tilted during summer to maximize the output. In this case for the solar panels to get their best performance a steep angle of 60 is best. In winter a panel fixed at the winter angle will be relatively efficient capturing 81 to 88 percent of the energy compared to optimum tracking.

Subtract 15 degrees from the latitude at your location during summer and add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter. Depending on your preference here s our advice. Well now that we know that the optimal direction is south we need to find the optimal tilt angle. As a general rule of thumb keep in mind that the panels need to be more vertical during winter to face the lower sun directly and more tilted towards the ground during summer to face the higher sun.

For example if you are seeking to maximise solar generation during winter months be it for an off grid system or higher energy consumption levels you would ideally want to angle your panels at a greater tilt for maximum exposure to the low winter sun. Finding the optimal tilt for your solar panels. For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south. The need for energy production and the need for an aesthetically pleasing and long lasting final result the roof of a house already has its own inclination and slope so a.

How can you determine the optimum angle for solar panels for your state. Calculating the ideal angle for your solar panels is not that difficult.