Optimal Angle For Solar Panel Install

Property owners the ideal angle for a solar panel installation is close or equal to the latitude of your home on a south facing roof.

Optimal angle for solar panel install. The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer. However if you live in an urban area in the united states you might just be able to find the best angle for the photovoltaic panels with your zip code. For the vast majority of u s. For starters there is no single ideal angle for solar panels.

Some who install them on their roofs are somewhat limited but if you have the luxury of choosing exactly how you want your system setup there are a few tricks you can use. At different times of the year the optimal angle may be slightly or even significantly different. For a latitude up to 25 take your latitude and multiply it by 0 87. Best solar panel angle by zip code.

These angles will give you the best overall output over the course of the year if you re going for a fixed installation. During the spring the best angle is 45 and during the summer when the sun is high in the sky it s best to have a low tilt at 20. For instance in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees. Choosing the best angle and direction for your solar panels will optimize the amount of sunlight they receive and allow you to get the most out of your solar power system.

For a latitude between 25 to 50 take your latitude multiply by 0 87 after that you will add 3 1 degrees. On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north. However pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations. The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19.

For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49. In this case for the solar panels to get their best performance a steep angle of 60 is best. For a latitude over 50 the most ideal angle will end up being approximately 45 degrees. Overall the angle of your rooftop has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your roof faces.