How to Figure the Correct Angle for Solar Panels - Solar Energy Systems
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Solar panels need the maximum amount of sunlight to produce the
maximum amount of solar power.
They need to be pointed in the direction that captures the most
amount of sunlight. Learning how to figure the correct angle for
solar panels can help you get the most efficiency out of your panels.
If you live in the northern hemisphere, you would point your
panels due south. If you live in southern hemisphere, your panels
should be pointed north. Most homeowners with solar energy
systems mount their panels in a fixed position, where the panels
can be manually tilted as needed (for example, they can be adjusted
seasonally). Here's how to calculate the best angle for your solar
panels:
- The quick and easy (but less effective) way: take your latitude and add
15 degrees for the winter, or subtract 15 degrees for the summer.
For example: if your latitude is 40 degrees, the angle you want
to tilt your panels in the winter is: 40 + 15 = 55 degrees.
In the summer, it would be: 40 - 15 = 25 degrees.
- The better way (winter): in the winter months, when there's less
sun, take your latitude, multiply it by 0.9, and then add 29 degrees.
For example: if your latitude is 40 degrees, the angle you want
to tilt your panels in the winter is: (40 * 0.9) + 29 = 65 degrees.
This is about 10 degrees steeper than the "quick and easy" way!
It's also more effective, because you want your panels to be directly facing
the sun at mid-day during those short winter days.
- The better way (summer): take your latitude, multiply it by
0.9, and subtract 23.5 degrees.
For example: if your latitude is 40 degrees, your panels should
be tilted at: (40 * 0.9) - 23.5 = 12.5 degrees.
- The better way (spring & fall): take your latitude and
subtract 2.5 degrees.
For example: if your latitude is 40 degrees, the best tilt for
your panels in the spring & fall is: 40 - 2.5 = 37.5 degrees.
You don't necessarily have to adjust the tilt of your panels every
season. If you find that the energy generated by your solar panels is
sufficient for your winter energy needs -- assuming that your highest
energy usage is in the winter -- you can just leave the panels in the
same position.
Note that the fixed-mount solar panels will be at their least
efficient during the summer, spring and fall, when the sun moves across
a large area of the sky. Panel systems that "track" the position
of the sun are more efficient -- but also more costly.
Of course, the correct angle for solar panels
is for ideal locations --
but in the real world, we deal with trees & buildings that may shade
the panels, or areas with lots of leaves, dust, or debris. You might need
to adjust the angle a little bit to compensate for less-than-ideal conditions.
Summary: Solar Panel Angle Calculation
|
SEASON |
ANGLE / TILT CALCULATION |
Winter |
(Latitude * 0.9) + 29 degrees |
Summer |
(Latitude * 0.9) - 23.5 degrees |
Spring and Fall |
Latitude - 2.5 degrees |
Knowing how to figure the correct angle for solar panels can help you
to generate the most energy from your solar powered system.
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