Solar Panel Optimum Tilt Angle

Tilt the panels to your latitude.

Solar panel optimum tilt angle.

In boston a solar array at 30 degrees south is still going to produce more electricity than tilted at 42 degrees and facing north. For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best. There are two methods for calculating the tilt angle for solar panels. It s not a good idea to install your panels to face a suboptimal direction even if it means the best tilt possible.

If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend. Similarly you can calculate the angle for winter by adding 15. For instance in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees. Tilt the panels to your latitude.

For a precise method use the second formula on this page to calculate tilt angle. For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49. The best tilt angle for winter is the latitude times 0 875 plus 19 2 degrees. Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15.

The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19. The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer. This table gives some examples. If your latitude is outside this range see other situationsbelow.

Both of these angles require latitude degrees.