The Best Way To Find High
Determining the ideal solar panel angle for your property is straightforward, but youll need a certified professional to recommend equipment and install your solar system. On the EnergySage Marketplace, you can receive free quotes for a solar installation from our qualified, pre-vetted installers across the country who will design and optimize a solar energy system for your unique property. If you are interested in talking to potential installers about the angle of your solar panels, simply leave a note on your profile indicating your interest.
Solar Panel Direction: Best Direction For My Panels
The most optimum direction to face your solar panels is somewhere between south and west. It is at this location that your panels will receive the maximum sunlight throughout the day. If your roof does not face the right direction, then surface mounted panels or pole mounted panels may be your best bet. Alternatively you could adjust the angle of inclination of the panels to a certain degree to offset the effect of direction. For example if your roof is facing 10 degrees west towards north, you could reduce the tilt angle of your panels by 3 degrees. This would produce the same electricity as with a panel which is facing true west. Article by Katherine Tweed, November 14, 2013 from Green Tech Media http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/are-solar-panels-facing-the-wrong-direction.
Determining Optimum Solar Panel Angle By Zip Code
To find the optimal angle for your solar panels, do a Google search for the latitude of your home address or your zip code. Typically, an ideal angle for your solar panels will be equal or close to the latitude of your home. However, proper solar panel angle will fluctuate over the course of the year.
For summer and the warmer months, it will be 15 degrees minus your latitude. For winter and and the cooler months, the ideal solar panel angle will be 15 degrees added to your latitude.
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At What Angle For Solar Panels And Which Direction Should Solar Panels Be Positioned To Optimize Production
To best optimize the production of solar panels, do not underestimate the importance of their orientation and inclination! However, its not always about producing a maximum amount of energy you also need to take into consideration your consumption needs. For instance, if you are self-consuming your electricity rather than selling it back to the grid, the optimal orientation is not necessarily the same!
What Is The Best Solar Panel Tilt For Your Latitude
The angle of tilt increases with latitude the further your house is from the equator, the higher your tilt angle should be.
For example, in states located at lower latitudes , the sun is higher in the sky. In these states, solar PV panels require a low tilt to capture direct sunlight.
On the contrary, for states at higher latitudes like Minnesota and Oregon the sun is lower in the sky. In those states, solar photovoltaic panels should be installed at higher tilt angles in order to receive maximum sunlight.
Solar panel tilt based on the position of the sun. Image credit: EIA Optimal tilt angle increases with latitude. Image source: EIA
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How Do You Calculate The Tilt Angle Of A Solar Panel
Solar panel tilt angle settings are different for Winter and Summer
Solar panel efficiency depends on:
- Location irradiance the energy in watts per square meter falling on a surface
- Panel temperature solar panels work best at 26 degrees C
- Array orientation North in Southern hemisphere and due South in Southern
- Panel tilt angle this depends on the latitude at your location and the season
As a general rule, the angle should be adjusted twice a year. Take your latitude and add 15 degrees in Winter and subtract 15 degrees in Summer.
There are resources indicating solar panel angle by zip code, but this approach is much too granular to make any meaningful gains in power output.
Example:
The latitude of Denver Colorado is 39.74, so tilt angle for summer/winter becomes:
Solar panels angle in summer = 39.74 15 = 24.74°
Solar panels angle in winter = 39.74 + 15 = 54.74°
It makes sense. In summer the sun is higher in the sky, so the panels need to flatter. In winter, the sun is low on the horizon and so the solar panels should be adjust to be more upright, closer to 90°.
What Should Consumers Take Into Consideration Before Buying Best Solar Panel Angle By Zip Code
We have to understand a full grasp of Best solar panel angle by zip code in order to make an informed investment. Additionally, we should also consider and assess several features. Therefore, you may face some difficulties when shopping for Best solar panel angle by zip code.
Our extensive proposals and guidance will undoubtedly be beneficial to you. Our experts keep all the updates and support to give consumers all the Best solar panel angle by zip code – related information. Some questions you should answer before deciding are listed below:
- What are the benefits of shopping for online reference information?
- Is the effectiveness of a market impact only as great as the consumers’ belief in it?
- What is the rank in which you evaluate the product’s most significant features?
- How long will the product last?
- What are the buyer’s benefits with this good or service?
- How much will you spend on this product?
- What are the potential advantages of purchasing this product?
To help you get the perfect answer to these questions, our experts went through a lot of time and energy using advanced technologies, including Big Data and Artificial Intelligent, and so on.
A deeper look will be valued based on what people and technology have analyzed these features to develop them. Let’s take into account the following together:
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Adjusting The Tilt Angle For Seasonal Differences
The sun sits higher or lower in the sky depending on the season. It is possible to adjust the system to suit your seasonal output requirements.
Its generally known that tilt angle is equal to the locations latitude minus 15 degrees in summer and plus 15 degrees in winter to an azimuth angle that is parallel to the equator.
In Concord, NH in Summer you would do 43.208° 15° = 28.208°
In Concord, NH in Winter you would do 43.208° + 15° = 58.208°
Note: Most fixed-tilt solar PV systems feature a tilt angle between 20-30°.
For instance, if your energy demands increase during winter due to increased electrical heating, adjust the tilt of the panels +15°
If you rely heavily on expensive air-conditioning throughout the summer, a -15° adjustment increases power generation.
If youre conscientious and aim to get the maximum financial benefit from your solar array, adjust the tilt of each panel at the change of every season.
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Optimum Angle For Solar Panels
The ideal angle for solar panels in Australia is usually equal to the latitude angle of the location of the property. This means that for best results, the roof pitch of your property should ideally be equal to the latitude angle, with the panels mounted at the same angle as the roof. For example, if you reside in Sydney, a roof pitch of 34° would be considered ideal, as this is equal to the latitude angle of the NSW capital. The graphic below shows the ideal panel angle for major Australian cities:
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Table Solar Irradiance In Denver Colorado 50 Tilt Compared To Flat
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Insolation by month for Denver Colorado by month |
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4.12 |
If we add the irradiance in kWh/m2 for flat mounted panels and 50° in Denver Co, we get:
Flat mounted panels peak-sun-hours Denver = 53.81 kWh/m2
50° mounted panels peak-sun-hours Denver = 75.94 kWh/m2
So for Denver solar panels, if the array is mounted at a fixed angle of 50°, there is an increase in power output of about 30%.
Resource data: Global Solar Atlas
How To Use The
- Select your country from the list.
- If you have selected America or Canada, select your state or province.
- Select the town or city nearest where you live.
- The calculator will then show the optimum angle for the solar panel. The calculator shows the degrees from vertical.
- If you cannot change the angle of your panel throughout the year, angle your panel according to the time of year that you need to get the best performance out of your system.
- In the notes section, you can see the position of sunrise and sunset at different times of the year. This information will help you during a site survey to identify any potential obstructions at different times of the year.
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Maximum Exposure Of Your Solar Panels To Sun
To say that your solar panels are correctly installed, they must be adequately exposed to the sun.
Proper exposure to the sun ensures that your solar panels can absorb as much sun as possible to produce at their maximum levels. Maximum exposure to sunlight hitting the earth is important in winter since the sunshine is lower than in summer.
Our Solar Panel Direction By Zip Code Calculator
1. Scroll up to our solar panel direction by zip code calculator at the top of this page.
2. Enter your zip code, city or address and select your location from the search results. Or you can just click Use Your Current Location. The calculator automatically calculates the ideal direction for your solar panels based on your location.
Note: If your zip code doesnt appear in the search results right away, enter your city name as well and it should pop up.
3. Record your zip codes optimal solar panel direction. For example, if you live in Las Vegas, Nevada in zip code 89108, your optimal azimuth angle in 2022 is 11.3° east of magnetic south.
4. Point your compass toward the given angle. In this example, youd find the best direction for your solar panels by pointing your compass south and then adjusting 11.3° to the east.
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Solar Panel Angle And The Impact Of Seasons
The proper angle of your solar panels will not only be affected by your geographic location but also by how the sun changes with each season. During the summer months, the sun will sit higher in the sky. And in winter, the sun will sit lower in the sky. This means that in order to get the most production out of your solar panels you will need to change the tilt with each season.
However, most solar panels installed for home use are mounted on the roof at a fixed angle. Meaning, the process of changing the angle of your solar panels with each season can be quite difficult. There are systems that can be installed that will track the axis of the sun and adust the angle over time. But currently those systems are very expensive. And while they do increase the output of your panels, the increased cost may not be worth the initial investment.
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Annual Solar System Outputs Around The World
These were modelled outputs using SunPower panels:
|
1,560 |
1,645 |
In all these overseas locations, the system will generate more than 60% more power than in the UK, and in Cape Town you can generate more than twice as much electricity over a year than you can in the south of England.
Unsurprisingly, in these locations, solar radiation is pretty reliable too, although you can get periods of low generation so a diesel generator may still be required if you are off-grid and want 100% reliability. Heres the daily expected output for Mexico City:
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Some Panels Are Installed On The Faade Of A Building Does This Make Sense
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.
Using Your Natural Roof Pitch
As we mentioned, unless youre building a new home, youre at the mercy of your existing roof pitch. Obviously, the angle of household roofs varies from home to home, so everybody will have different options available. So, the cheapest way to install your solar panels is to have them flat against your roof. Again, you need to weigh up the location and direction of your home and your roofs pitch.
The alternative is to have your solar panels mounted to achieve the optimal angle. If your roof pitch is only slightly different to your latitude angle, mounting the panels is probably overkill. However, if your home is positioned in such a way that both sides of the roof would deliver an ineffective solar output, mounting might be your best option.
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Solar Panel Direction And Angle Solar Tracking
Solar panels can be adjusted in two directions tilting up and down or side to side.
The ideal situation would be for the solar panel surface to be always at 90° to the suns rays. This can be achieved by mounting the panels on a mechanical apparatus called a Solar Tracking System.
This kind of automatic setup senses the suns location and tracks it across the sky, thus optimizing the power output.
Looking For Expert Solar Installation
If youre not sure exactly how your solar panels should be angled, dont panic. The team at Captain Green are experts in solar panel installation in Australia, so we can take care of everything for you. Well discuss your options, including using your existing roof pitch or mounting the panels for a certain angle. Its a personal choice, and well give you the information you need to make an informed decision on the best angle for solar panels on your property.
Captain Green also analyses your existing energy usage patterns to recommend the perfect solar system for your home. We consult thoroughly on your solar energy goals, giving you the information you need to make the right choice. For a free quote, contact us today and well be happy to help.
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Bifacial Panels And Tilt Frames
While they can maximise the energy yield of solar panels, generally the extra expense of tilt frames both the cost of the hardware and the extra labour required for installation means theyre usually not considered worthwhile for rooftop solar power. But one advantage is they allow the use of bifacial solar panels. These are double layers of glass that allow solar cells in the middle to use light from either direction, generating extra energy depending on how reflective the surface below them is, as this hopefully accurate image from LG Solar shows :
As bifacial panels are coming down in price we may see a small renaissance in tilt frames. As batteries increase in popularity and homes and cars transition to become all-electric, people will want to generate more and more solar electricity locally. Bifacial solar panels on tilt frames will enable roof owners to maximise the energy they can generate from their precious and limited roof space.
The Impact Of Angle And Direction On Solar Panel Output
Technically, you can face your solar panels in any direction theyll still generate some electricity, just not very much of it.
And the further you face your panels away from their optimate direction, the less energy theyll generate.
The table below outlines how much the angle and orientation of the solar panel impacts its effectiveness, with 100% indicating the maximum output.
| 90% |
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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.
What Is Solar Power
A collection of photovoltaic cells gathered together beneath a glass layer are known as solar panels.
When attached to a roof, they react with photons from sunlight to generate clean, safe, reliable power. It is passed through an inverter and becomes usable electricity.
Facing solar panels directly towards the sun enables them to harvest the maximum amount of solar energy. There is a science to knowing the perfect solar panel angle, depending on where you live and the time of year.
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Are Solar Trackers Helpful
A solar tracker is a system designed to do exactly that. Its one of those solar buzzwords you should know. These systems ensure that the panels are always at an optimal angle to produce the highest possible output. They basically follow the sun as it moves across the sky.
Solar trackers are only viable on ground-mounted panels, which is not often the case in domestic use. For roof-mounted panels, it is difficult to use trackers. Also, these systems can be costly, raising your overall budget for solar energy solutions. As a result, they are more common for commercial solar projects where maximum output is needed all the time.
If you know the right solar panel angle by zip code, you will not need trackers at all. You should also keep in mind that for a small system, they will also be drawing some power generated.
Of course, you need all the energy generated for your home. Trackers can be considered one of the better solar-powered inventions.
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