Most Efficient Solar Panel Angle

Angle of incidence θ.

Most efficient solar panel angle.

If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend. 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. It s important to remember that just because a solar panel is the most efficient doesn t mean that it s the best for your home. These angles will give you the best overall output over the course of the year if you re going for a fixed installation.

The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer. For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49. In case the roof is very steep you may not be able to get the most optimal tilt angle for the panel especially if it is lower than the angle of the roof. Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15.

In the spring summer and autumn the efficiency is lower 74 75 in spring autumn and 68 74 in summer because in these seasons the sun travels a larger area of the sky and a fixed panel can t capture as much of it. Choosing the best angle and direction for your solar panels will optimize the amount of sunlight they receive and allow you to get the most out of your solar power system. At this level the solar panel can lie flat on the roof and get enough sunlight to produce enough electricity. For instance in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees.

Solar panels are most efficient when pointing at the sun so engineers want to minimize this angle at all times. On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north. In winter a panel fixed at the winter angle will be relatively efficient capturing 81 to 88 percent of the energy compared to optimum tracking. Some other things to consider are the power output rating the warranty and the brand of solar panels.

Tilt the panels to your latitude. Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15. Some who install them on their roofs are somewhat limited but if you have the luxury of choosing exactly how you want your system setup there are a few tricks you can use. The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19.

This is the angle between the line that points to the sun and the angle that points straight out of a pv panel also called the line that is normal to the surface of the panel. Solar panel efficiency is just one thing to consider when shopping for solar panels. This is the most important angle. For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best.

Most roofs have an inclination of 30 to 40 degrees.