Photovoltaic panel tilt angle calculation rules diagram

What is the optimal tilt angle for solar panels?

As a general rule, for fixed solar panels, the optimal tilt angle is equal to the latitude of the location. For example, if you live in Los Angeles (34.05° N), the optimal tilt angle for your solar panels would be 34°. This tilt angle accounts for both hourly and seasonal changes in the sun’s position.

How do you adjust a solar panel's tilt angle?

This method involves adjusting the solar panel’s tilt angle based on the installation location’s latitude. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, the optimal tilt angle for a solar panel is typically equal to the latitude of the installation location plus 15 degrees in the winter and minus 15 degrees in the summer.

Which factor determines the tilt angle of solar panels?

The second factor, the tilt angle, is decided by the elevation angle of the sun, i.e., at what altitude the sun is. If the sun is high in altitude, then the tilt angle would be small and solar panels would be more horizontal. For low altitudes, the tilt angle is large, and solar panels are vertical.

What is a solar panel angle calculator?

Conversely, the farther the latitude is from the equator, the more oblique the sun’s rays are to the solar panel, and the steeper the tilt angle needed to maximize energy output. In general, the solar panel angle calculator latitude is the latitude of the installation location, which can be obtained using a GPS device or online maps.

How do I find the best angle for my solar panels?

Simply enter your address and it will provide the optimal angles for each season, as well as a year-round average angle for your specific location. An example of the calculator results. Discover the best angle for your solar panels with our Solar Panel Tilt Angle Calculator. Maximize energy efficiency and save money!

What is the optimal tile angle for solar panels in winter?

The optimal tile angle for solar panels in winters is the latitude of the place times 0.9 plus 29°. In the case of Los Angeles (34.05° N), the angle is 34×0.9+29° = 59.6° ≈ 60°. According to SolarSena’s tilt angle calculator, the angle is 55°. The table below summarizes all the formulae.