Best Angle For Solar Panels Latitude

Similarly you can calculate the angle for winter by adding 15.

Best angle for solar panels latitude. If your latitude is between 25 and 50 then the best tilt angle for summer is the latitude times 0 93 minus 21 degrees. Both of these angles require latitude degrees. For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49. The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer.

Whatever your latitude is you can subtract 15 from it to calculate the angle for summer. The following table gives the best dates on which to adjust. For a precise method use the second formula on this page to calculate tilt angle. Ultimately what s the best angle for solar panels in the usa.

In boston a solar array at 30 degrees south is still going to produce more electricity than tilted at 42 degrees and facing north. It s not a good idea to install your panels to face a suboptimal direction even if it means the best tilt possible. Subtract 15 degrees from the latitude at your location during summer and add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter. For a latitude up to 25 take your latitude and multiply it by 0 87 for a latitude between 25 to 50 take your latitude multiply by 0 87 after that you will add 3 1 degrees for a latitude over 50 the most ideal angle will end up being approximately 45 degrees.

To optimize overall production year round tilt your panels at your latitude. Find the best angle for optimizing solar collection during winter when solar energy is most scarce by multiplying your latitude by 0 89 and. On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north. There s a simple rule of thumb for calculating the best tilt angle for fixed mount solar panels.

As we ve mentioned there is no one best angle for all regions in the usa. To lean toward more production in the winter tilt your panels at your latitude plus 10 15. To lean toward more production in the summer tilt your panels at your latitude minus 10 15. There are two methods for calculating the tilt angle for solar panels.

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. To find your latitude consult a map for your region. If you are going to adjust the tilt of your solar panels twice a year and you want to get the most energy over the whole year then this section is for you.