How To Tilt Angle Selection In Solar Photovoltaic ?

We have all heard that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. However, the sun’s movement throughout the day is a little more complex. Why does this matter? Well, if you are in the market for the best solar panels you’ll need to understand the sun’s complex movements as they pertain to your specific location.

The earth has an inherent tilt and orbit pattern around the sun, and although it appears to make a generic movement everyday, the planet will move differently over your zip code than it will for someone in another state.

Having a basic understanding of the sun’s movement will help you realize the importance of the orientation and angle of your solar panels. In this article, we’ll explain what solar panel orientation and angles are and the impact they have on the efficiency of your panels. This will set you up for success so you know the optimal conditions for peak solar panel performance.

Solar Panel Orientation

Solar panel orientation is simply which cardinal direction the panel is facing: north, south, east or west. Typical solar panel application will follow true direction rather than aligning with the magnetic poles. For example, true north aligns with earth’s true axis rather than aligning with the north pole.

Homes that have solar panels facing directly east or west will produce around 20%  less energy. The proper solar panel orientation for homes located north of the equator is facing true south. For homes located south of the equator, it will be the opposite—,facing true north. This will provide the best orientation to allow the most exposure time to the sun and produce the most amount of electricity.

Solar Panel Angle

Solar panel angle is simply the vertical tilt of your solar panels. It can be a little more tricky to understand since the proper tilt will vary with geographic location and time of year. In terms of geographic location, the angle of your panels will increase the further you move from the equator. For context, in states such as Texas and Florida, the sun will stay higher in the sky meaning solar panels in lower states like these will require less tilt.

For states such as New York and Michigan, the sun sits much lower in the sky, meaning solar panels in states up north will require more tilt.

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.

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.

 Factors Affecting the Optimum Solar Panel Angle

Since solar panel angles are the vertical tilt of your solar system, various factors ensure you have the optimal angle for your solar panels.

Roof Tilt

Of course, everyone’s roof is designed differently, hence the importance of considering your roof’s tilt before installing solar panels.

For instance, installing solar panels on a roof with a steep tilt may mean you can’t achieve an optimal tilt with a traditional racking system. Therefore, depending on how steep the angle of your roof is, the best you can do is lie your panels flat against the roof.

Installing solar panels on low-angle roofs can also be complicated since they may require specialized racking if you want to tilt them at the optimal angle. Flush-mounting solar panels on a low-angled roof will produce less electricity and reduce solar savings.

Latitude

To receive exceptional solar savings, you’ll want your solar panels to be angled in a way that optimizes the sunlight exposure for that location. This is done by tilting your solar panels at the same angle as the latitude of your home. For most homeowners, the ideal angle for a solar panel installation is close to or equal to the latitude of your home. This angle is typically between 30 degrees and 45 degrees. Doing so ensures your home will get the maximum average output from your solar power system throughout the year.

Time of Year/Season

The time of year can certainly depict how effectively your solar panels work due to the sun’s position. For example, during the winter in the northern hemisphere, the sun is lower to the horizon. Therefore, it is more difficult for your solar panels to capture the sunlight to create energy.

However, installing your panels at a steeper angle than your latitude (around 60 degrees) can help counteract winter production dips. Also, you’ll want to ensure your solar panels are installed at an angle where snow can easily slide off.

Which Is More Important: Angle or Orientation?

Because of all the nuances and various factors involved with determining the proper angle of your solar panels, you might think that it is the most important factor come installation. However, the opposite is true. When it comes to solar panels, determining the correct orientation is the most important variable.

Improper orientation will mean that your panels won’t get enough exposure time to the sun, reducing your electricity output drastically. The wrong angle on the correct orientation will produce more energy than the correct angle on the wrong orientation.

Solar panels are a great way to improve the efficiency of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding to go solar other than the potential cost savings. The company you choose will have the knowledge to install your solar panels appropriately, however, knowing a few key principals about solar panel installation is always a good starting point.

Proper solar panel orientation and angle is the ideal place to start since these two factors have the greatest effect on efficiency. Dissect the information this article lays out, and work the numbers as they pertain to the location of your home. This will enable you to compare information with your solar panel installer in order to make sure your panels are set up to run as efficiently as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth tilting your solar panels?

Yes – your solar panels must collect sunlight to produce solar energy successfully. Therefore, you want to ensure your solar panel is tilted to capture as much sunlight as possible. Therefore, to get the maximum average output from your solar power system, you should tilt your solar panels close to the same angle as the latitude of your home.

What is the best direction for solar panels?

Since the sun is always in the southern half of the sky (in the northern hemisphere), solar panels that face south will receive the most direct sunlight and, therefore, is the best direction for solar panels.

Do solar panels need to be south-facing?

Although solar panels don’t necessarily need to be south-facing, it is the ideal direction to get the most output. However,  east or west-facing panels can still capture sunlight and generate energy. Most solar companies will provide guidance and advice on what’s best angle for your solar energy setup.