Thursday, March 21, 2024

Best Angle For Solar Panels

Calculate The Optimal Solar Panel Angle

Best Angle For Solar Panels

Apart from calculating the exact solar panel angle for your solar panel system, some of you might want to install it without calculating the exact angle. In that case, you will have to install your solar panels more upright during winters and lower down during the summers. Similarly, you will have to install your solar panels lower if you are living closer to the equator and more upright near the pole. But if you want to calculate the exact tilt angle for your solar panels, then you can use either of the following methods:

Method 1

The first method is the easier one for those who want to calculate the solar panel angle quickly without having the best accuracy. This method simply needs you to add 15 degrees to your latitude during the winters and subtract 15 degrees during the summers. Even though this is not the most precise method, it will still offer decent efficiency.

Method 2

Find The Best Angle For Your Solar Panels

The angle you orient your solar panels will determine how much sunlight focuses on the surface. Ultimately, the optimum tilt angle will boost your panels to harvest the highest amount of power.

So, what is the best angle for solar panels? The optimum tilt angle is the solar panel orientation that allows the sun rays to form a 90° angle with the panel surface. Photovoltaic cell systems harvest the highest amount of sunlight when the sun is perpendicularly over the panels. The tilting you make to achieve optimum electricity conversion is the best angle for your solar panels.

In this post, well go into the details of finding the best angle to tilt your photovoltaic systems. Our comprehensive article will examine how your roof, latitude, seasons, and time of the day affect the optimum solar orientation. Shall we?

Tilt Angle Vs Azimuth Angle

When it comes to positioning solar panels, there are two angles to consider:

  • Tilt Angle – This describes the vertical angle of the solar panels, and is also known as Elevation Angle. The lower the angle, the more up towards the sky they face.
  • Azimuth Angle – This describes the horizontal angle that solar panels face in relation to the Equator.

We mentioned that solar panels in the northern hemisphere should face south, so you might think that calculating the azimuth angle is easy – just point them south! However, its important to know that solar panels need to be angled towards true south, not the reading on a compass, which is magnetic south. Depending on where in the United States you live, that could mean your ideal azimuth angle is a difference of as much as 20° from magnetic south.

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What About Solar Trackers

The suns position is constantly moving throughout the year, and the only way to always have your solar panels angled perfectly is to install a solar tracking system. Solar trackers follow the sun as it moves slightly, which will bump up your energy production. If you are considering a ground-mounted solar system a solar tracking setup may be what you need to optimize your installation.

For the majority of solar shoppers, a rooftop system is the lowest cost and doesnt take up space on the ground. Solar trackers cant easily be installed on a rooftop solar system, so theyre generally only used in commercial solar projects they can dramatically increase production because the tracking system acts as a solar panel angle calculator.

Why Is A Great Solar Panel Angle Simply Your Latitude

Best Solar Panel Angles To Get The Best Out Of It

Because your latitude is the same as the angle of the sun in the sky halfway between midwinter and midsummer. The sun will be about 15 degrees higher in the sky in summer and 15 degrees lower in the sky in winter. So tilting your panels to the midway point will maximize the sun captured throughout the year.

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Why Is The Angle Of Solar Panels Important

The angle at which you install your solar panels is important from an efficiency point of view. The more sun you capture at the ideal angle, the more energy your solar system produces. This means more energy to power your home and potentially more energy to export for feed-in tariff credits.

Aside from the angle, there are a few general rules for maximising solar panel output. Firstly, a roof facing the north sun will be most effective. Ideally, you also want your solar panels positioned perpendicular to the sun for maximum benefit.

What If My Roof Is Flat

If you do have a flat rooftop, do not despair, usually a mounting device is installed so as to deflect rainwater and allow the rain to clean the panels. Dust and grime will reduce the generation capacity of your solar panels, so this is an important consideration in the design and install process. The added benefit is that the panels will then be angled, likely at around 10°, which will expose them to more sun and allow them to generate more energy. If you choose to go ahead and receive solar quotes from our certified installers, they will talk you through the installation process for flat rooftops.

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Pros And Cons Of Each Direction And Angle

When the solar panels are not placed in the right direction or angle, there can be significant output loss.

The only pros and cons related to the angle of solar panels are related to the amount of sun exposure each one has.

Solar output loss on flat rooftops vs tilted rooftops:

According to Clean Energy Council the percentage of output for a combination of orientation and angels for solar panel installation in Melbourne is shown in the table below:

As evident from the table the flatter the rooftop, the greater the energy loss.

Best Angle Of Photovoltaic Panels

DIY Solar Panel: Best Angle for Solar Panels, Optimum Tilt Angle and Direction

The main problem faced by consumers who want to determine the best angle for solar panels is the same as for orientation- it changes depending on the day of the year and the time of day. We must, therefore, necessarily be satisfied with a compromise, with an average value. The position of the sun in the sky at a given point also depends on the latitude or the position of the place concerning the terrestrial poles. The following formula is generally used to calculate the ideal inclination of solar panels throughout the year:

I = | L | 10

  • I is the inclination to the year expressed in degrees
  • | L | is the absolute value of the latitude, expressed in degrees.

The absolute value of a number is only its numeric part, without a sign . In this case, the latitudes are positive in the northern hemisphere and negative in the southern hemisphere when using the absolute value of latitude, all the – signs disappear for the southern hemisphere.

It is this formula that maximizes the production of electricity throughout the year. For people who instead wish to optimize the production of photovoltaic panels in winter, the formula then becomes:

I = | L | + 10

The only area where these formulas do not work is around the equator. In a band of about thirty degrees around this imaginary line, the panels should be laid flat for optimum production all year round. It is rather recommended to give them an inclination of 5° to 10° to ensure that dust and water do not accumulate on the surface.

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What Is The Minimum Angle For Solar Panels

There really is no minimum angle for solar panel tilt. The fact is that they will still work even at 0° or at 90°. Solar panels mounted on a flat roof would be at 0°, while panels mounted on the side of a building would be at 90°.

The reduction in power output isnt linear according to the tilt angle, because the combination of reflection and indirect sunlight generates power as well.

What Is The Best Solar Tilt Based On Season

The angle of the sun not only changes due to different latitudes but also along with the changing seasons. The sun is lower during winter and higher in the summer.

This means that if you want to ensure that your solar system is receiving the maximum amount of sunlight, its tilt should be adjusted for each season.

For example, in Orlando, Florida the best solar tilt based on the seasons is as follows:

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Best Direction And Angle For Solar Panels

Heres what well cover in this guide:

  • How roof direction affects solar efficiency
  • What factors influence solar energy production
  • How to determine if your roof is a good candidate for solar

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites.

Jump to Section:

Find the best price from solar installers in your area.

Why Are Solar Panels Installed At An Angle

Best Roof Angle for Solar Panels in 2022 [ Top 5 Picks ]

Solar panel output is affected by several variables, some we can adjust and others are decided by our location and environment.

One way to make sure youre optimizing the power output of a solar panel array is to adjust the tilt angle. Solar cells are most efficient when the suns rays are perpendicular to the panel surface.

The optimum tilt angle will vary according to location and the effect on solar output will be variable according to the irradiation level at your geophysical location.

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What If You Have A Flat Roof

If your roof is totally flat, then I strongly recommend mounting the solar panels at an angle of at least 10°. This is really important because it will allow any rain to easily run off the modules.

If the rainwater pools on the surface of the solar panel, it is more likely to eventually get through the panels seals and into the solar cells themselves. If this happens, its game over for the panel as you will experience an earth fault and need to replace the module. Many panels have a warranty condition stipulating they must be mounted at at least 10° from horizontal, so failure to do so could also void your warranty.

Ignore anyone who tells you to have the solar panels horizontal and just add a panel or two to make up for lost efficiency. Horizontal panels are asking for trouble down the line. They will also get a lot dirtier because they will have very little ability to self-clean through rain. Youll need to manually clean them more often which is time consuming and time is money. Added to that, getting up and working on a roof is a safety risk.

For these reasons, if you have a flat roof, most good installers will add the option of a tilt frame to their quote.

If you really want to lay those panels flat then there is an option: frameless solar panels.

What If My House Has A Flat Rooftop

Since the angle of solar panels affects the overall performance of your panels, an ideal roof pitch ensures that your system generates the maximum energy as per your location. In Australia, the standard roof pitch is between 18° to 30°. For solar panel installation, a roof pitch of a minimum of 10° is recommended. So, the installer may install the solar panels at this angle, especially if the rooftop is facing north.

But if you have a flat rooftop and facing east of the west, you only need slight modification in the tilt angle. Sometimes, you may need tilt racks or frameless panels, depending on the location, which will add to the installation cost. On the other hand, if your roof is facing south, your installer will recommend you opt for an alternative solution or install ground-mounted solar panels in brackets.

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Our Solar Panel Angle Calculator By Zip Code

Scroll up to our solar angle calculator by zip code at the top of this page.

In the box, enter your zip code, city or address. For example, if you live in Los Angeles and your zip code is 90011, you’d simply type “90011” into the box.

Then select your location from the dropdown results. In this example, you’d select “90011, Los Angeles, CA, USA”.

The calculator will use your zip code to calculate the best solar panel angle for your location.

Scroll down and you’ll also find your best solar angles by season and by month.

Or, instead of entering your zip code, you can just click “Use Your Current Location”.

Then click “Allow” when the site asks to know your location.

Once again, the calculator will then find your optimal tilt angle based on your location.

Some Panels Are Installed On The Faade Of A Building Does This Make Sense

Get the BEST Solar Panel Angle Every time EcoFlow Solar Angle Guide

Solar panels installed vertically produce less energy, but a façade installation can still make sense depending on the specific needs and constraints of the building. For example, the Arpont shelter has DualSun panels installed vertically. This was a design choice, but also a technical decision to avoid an accumulation of snow during the winter.

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Can Solar Panels Produce Energy If My Roof Doesnt Face True South

Its possible to adjust your solar panels orientation on your roof or in your backyard space permitting so they face true south. The calculation needed to figure out precisely how much of a rotation you need in order to be facing true south involves knowing the azimuth angle as described above.

Solar panels facing east or west will capture sunlight and could be a viable option for you if you have significant roof space or land facing in those directions, especially if you counteract the approximate 15% loss in energy output by installing a larger system to begin with.

Generally, roofs facing north arent cost effective for solar panels. Space permitting, a south-facing ground mounted system would serve you better.

Why Does This Work

The recommended angles can seem counterintuitive. For example, consider summer at 40° latitude. At noon on the solstice, the sun is 40° – 23.5° which is 16.5° from directly overhead. To capture the most sun at that time you would tilt the panel 16.5° to point it directly at the sun. On other days of the summer it is a bit lower in the sky, so you would want to tilt the panel a bit more. Yet we say to tilt it only 12.5°. The sun is never that high. How can that be right?

The answer is that we are considering the whole day, not just noon. In the morning and evening, the sun moves lower in the sky and also further north . It is necessary to tilt less to the south to collect that sunlight.

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What Is The Best Solar Panel Tilt For Each Season

The angle of the sun not only changes based on different latitudes, but also with the change of seasons. As shown in the illustration below, the sun is lower during the winter months and higher in summer months.

The sun is lower in the sky during winter. Image source: Lighting Research Center

This means that if you wanted to ensure that your solar panels are always positioned for maximum exposure to sunlight, you would need to adjust them for each season.

The table below shows the optimal solar panel angle for various states in the U.S. during winter, spring/fall, and summer.

Optimum solar panel angles for various U.S. cities

State

Source: Solar panel tilt

However, adjusting your solar panels four times a year is not a straightforward task. After all, most solar panels are mounted on the roofs fixed angle and cant be adjusted.

The only way to adjust solar panels easily it to utilize a ground-mount system and install axis-tracking solar panels. However, theres a big downside to this approach: while it does increase solar output, it increases your costs by much more. As a result, solar axis trackers currently arent worth the investment.

Now, are you wondering why you still only get 75.7% of optimal output after adjusting for each season? Thats because the remaining amount can only be achieved by adjusting for solar panel direction during the day.

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What Is The Right Angle For Home Solar Panels

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As a rule of thumb, the optimal solar panel angle is the latitude of where your home is located. For example, Miami, Florida is at 25.7617° N so solar panels on homes there should be installed at around a 25° angle. In comparison, Portland, Oregon is at 45.5152° N so panels there should be angled to around 45°.

Determining the optimal tilt angle is not something most people should do on their own, especially if you have no expertise in the area. Since the sun changes its position throughout the day, and rooftop solar panels are not designed to be moved once installed, that makes the process of determining the right solar panel tilt angle a little tricky. In most cases, the calculations should be left to professional solar panel designers and installers.

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