Optimum Tilt Angle For Solar Panels

Tilt the panels to your latitude.

Optimum tilt angle for solar panels.

It turns out that you can do better than this about 4 better. The next question is at what angle from horizontal should the panels be tilted. Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15. Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15.

If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend. The best way to find a high quality solar installation is with energysage. For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49. For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best.

Tilt the panels to your latitude. Books and articles on solar energy often give the advice that the tilt should be equal to your latitude plus 15 degrees in winter or minus 15 degrees in summer. Lower tilts closer to 25 will be better for southern states while those in the north will want to be closer to 35. 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 in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees. It s not a good idea to install your panels to face a suboptimal direction even if it means the best tilt possible. A tilt of approximately 25 to 35 will work best for locations in the us. The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19.