Optimum Tilt Angle For Solar Panels

Tilt the panels to your latitude.

Optimum tilt angle for solar panels.

In boston a solar array at 30 degrees south is still going to produce more electricity than tilted at 42 degrees and facing north. For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49. It s not a good idea to install your panels to face a suboptimal direction even if it means the best tilt possible. A tilt of approximately 25 to 35 will work best for locations in the us.

So what is the best tilt angle for solar panels in the united states. For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best. Tilt the panels to your latitude. Lower tilts closer to 25 will be better for southern states while those in the north will want to be closer to 35.

Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15. The next question is at what angle from horizontal should the panels be tilted. It turns out that you can do better than this about 4 better. The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19.

These angles will give you the best overall output over the course of the year if you re going for a fixed installation. For instance in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees. The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer. The best way to find a high quality solar installation is with energysage.