Optimum Sun Angle For Solar Panels

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 sun angle for solar panels.

The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location and this calculator shows the difference in sun. Orientation of the panels. Calculating the ideal angle for your solar panels is not that difficult. 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.

Finding the optimal tilt for your solar panels. 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. How can you determine the optimum angle for solar panels for your state. You have a couple options here.

There s a simple rule of thumb for calculating the best tilt angle for fixed mount solar panels. The ideal angle for your solar panels can vary depending on your solar objectives. Here two simple methods for calculating approximate solar panel angle according to your latitude. In this case for the solar panels to get their best performance a steep angle of 60 is best.

Optimum angle differs during winter months. 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. Subtract 15 degrees from the latitude at your location during summer and add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter. 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.

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. 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. Pick one angle and leave it alone or adjust the tilt a few times per year to optimize seasonal production. This solar angle calculator tells you the optimum angle to get the best out of your system.

The other half of the equation is finding the vertical angle or tilt of your solar panels. Well now that we know that the optimal direction is south we need to find the optimal tilt angle. To get the best out of your photovoltaic panels you need to angle them towards the sun. This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere.

For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south. Depending on your preference here s our advice.