Whether you are installing a solar panel on a flat roof or a pitched roof the output of the solar pv system would be increased by optimizing the tilt angle.
Solar panel efficiency per sun angle.
That is why many solar angles are used in pv power calculations and solar tracking systems improve the efficiency of pv panels by following the sun through the sky.
If your solar panels will have a fixed tilt angle and you want to get the most energy over the whole year then this section is for you.
Pick one angle and leave it alone or adjust the tilt a few times per year to optimize seasonal production.
The array s tilt is the angle in degrees from horizontal.
The sun is at its highest at solar noon each day this occurs exactly half way between sunrise and sunset and this calculator shows the angle at that time of day.
The solar panel angle can affect the amount of solar electricity you generate and is based on two factors.
Solar panels give the highest energy output when they are directly facing the sun.
The angle between a photovoltaic pv panel and the sun affects the efficiency of the panel.
While the sun is in a higher position in the sky during the summer and lower position during the winter it has an average position right in between the two seasons.
A flat roof has a 0 degree tilt and a vertical wall mount has a 90 degree tilt angle.
Optimum angle differs during winter months.
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.
At solar noon the irradiance from the sun is at its very highest and you can generate the most power.
On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north.
Solar angles tracking systems.
Solar panel angle is another way of describing the vertical tilt of your pv system.
The solar panel angle of your solar system is different depending on which part of the world you are.
The sun moves across the sky and will be low or high depending on the time of the day and the season.
When a solar system is level with the ground it has no tilt.
Finding the optimal tilt for your solar panels.
You have a couple options here.
In the northern hemisphere the sun is due south at solar noon.
If it s standing upright perpendicular to the ground it is at a 90 angle.
Therefore the best angle for your solar panels is the one that allows the panels to get the most direct perpendicular light.
The violet line is the solar energy per day if the panel is fixed at the winter angle discussed below these figures are calculated for 40 latitude.
For example if you are seeking to maximise solar generation during winter months be it for an off grid system or higher energy consumption levels you would ideally want to angle your panels at a greater tilt for maximum exposure to the low winter sun.