Best Fixed Solar Panel Angle

At different times of the year the optimal angle may be slightly or even significantly different.

Best fixed solar panel angle.

Ideally a fixed roof mounted solar energy system should be at an angle that is equal to the latitude of the location where it is installed. Therefore the best angle for your solar panels is the one that allows the panels to get the most direct perpendicular light. Since solar panels are more productive when the sun s rays are perpendicular to their surfaces the certainly best orientation is the one directly true south azimuth angle 180. The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location and this calculator shows the difference in sun height on a month by month basis.

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. This table gives some examples. However pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations. If your latitude is outside this range see other situationsbelow.

The best solar panel angle for you depends on where you live but it also is a matter on what time of year you will be using your solar panels the most. On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north. For starters there is no single ideal angle for solar panels. Overall the angle of your rooftop has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your roof faces.

Most pole mounts are also adjustable. To get the best out of your photovoltaic panels you need to angle them towards the sun. Pole mounts are the best solar panel mounts to use in heavy snow areas because the steep tilt angle helps shed snow. The best tilt angle for winter is the latitude times 0 875 plus 19 2 degrees.

The steep angle of pole mounts naturally aids snow removal as the weight of the snow causes it to naturally slide off the face of the panels. If your latitude is between 25 and 50 then the best tilt angle for summer is the latitude times 0 93 minus 21 degrees. For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best. 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 if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49. While the sun is in a higher position in the sky during the summer and lower position during the winter it has an average position right in between the two seasons.