Optimum Tilt Angle For Solar Panels

So what is the best tilt angle for solar panels in the united states.

Optimum tilt angle for solar panels. For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best. A tilt of approximately 25 to 35 will work best for locations in the us. Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15. Books and articles on solar energy often give the advice that the tilt should be equal to your latitude plus 15 degrees in winter or minus 15 degrees in summer.

The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19. It turns out that you can do better than this about 4 better. Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15. For instance in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees.

The best way to find a high quality solar installation is with energysage. These angles will give you the best overall output over the course of the year if you re going for a fixed installation. In boston a solar array at 30 degrees south is still going to produce more electricity than tilted at 42 degrees and facing north. It s not a good idea to install your panels to face a suboptimal direction even if it means the best tilt possible.

The next question is at what angle from horizontal should the panels be tilted. If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend. The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer. Lower tilts closer to 25 will be better for southern states while those in the north will want to be closer to 35.