Solar Panel Tilt Angle Formula

The general rule of thumb is that panels angled at the latitude angle plus 15 is best to maximise winter sun exposure.

Solar panel tilt angle formula. If we are in chicago and we need energy only in the winter season it is good to choose a tilt angle between 53 and 65 example 59 while if we need only in the summer it is good to choose a tilt angle between 19 and 30 example 24 5. Movable and adjustable solar panels. The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer. For instance in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees.

If your latitude is below 25 use the latitude times 0 87. For a precise method use the second formula on this page to calculate tilt angle. Whether you are installing a solar panel on a flat roof or a pitched roof the output of the solar pv system would be increased by optimizing the tilt angle. A flat roof has a 0 degree tilt and a vertical wall mount has a 90 degree tilt angle.

Tilt the panels to your latitude. For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best. The ideal angle for your solar panels can vary depending on your solar objectives. The tilt should be designed so that the panel points directly at the sun at noon.

The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19. New york is at 40 degrees. This way you could adjust the tilt angle and direction of the solar panels to an optimal level. If your latitude is between 25 and 50 use the latitude times 0 76 plus 3 1 degrees.

See below for a list of cities and their latitudes. If you would like to get the absolute best performance from your solar panels you should put them up on movable scaffolding on the yard or on special movable panel holders or frames on your roof. The array s tilt is the angle in degrees from horizontal. If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend.

40 x 9 30 66 degrees tilt from horizontal. Then you have to subtract 23 5 degrees the final solar panel angle will appear to be 34 0 9 23 5 7 1 degrees. Tilt the panels to your latitude. For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49.

Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15. If your latitude is above 50 see other situationsbelow. And then for summer the tilt solar panel angle calculation is done and processed by multiplying the latitude range by 0 9. Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15.