Best Angle for Solar Panels: The Full Guide to Solar Efficiency

While installing solar panels, the most probable question you will have in your mind is the angle of the solar panels with respect to the ground. Unfortunately, there is no direct answer to the question as it depends on various factors.

In this article, we will discuss the best angle for solar panels. We will explain why it is important to adjust the angle, the factors that must be considered to choose the best angle, and how to calculate it.

Why are Best Angle for Solar Panels Important?

Solar panels are dependent on sunlight to produce energy. Not only the presence of sunlight is important but also the angle at which it falls on the solar panel surface.

Solar panels generate maximum energy when the sunlight is perpendicular to the surface. The absorption of sunlight is maximized, which produces more energy. That’s why it is necessary to tilt solar panels at the best angle.

Factors Determining Best Angle for Solar Panels

The following factors help you determine the best angle for solar panels.

Latitude

The best angle heavily depends on the latitude of the location you live in. It is determined with the help of the latitude value. You need to know the latitude first and then subtract or add certain values to get the best angle for different seasons. For instance, the latitude of New York City is 40.7⁰N. The best angle for the Spring and Fall is 38.30⁰. The best angles for Summer and Winter are 13.22⁰ and 65.72⁰, respectively.

Season

The next important thing is the season. According to the season, you need to adjust the angle to a few degrees. In Summer, you need to subtract a few degrees from latitude as the days are longer. In Winter, you need to add a few degrees to the latitude to capture more sunlight in the shortest time.

Roof Slope

Houses that have tilted roofs do not have the option to install angle frames and other things to tilt the solar panels. Solar panels are usually placed along with the angle of the roof. The angle could be anywhere between 10 to 40 degrees, and if it is near the best angle, you can harvest maximum energy easily. However, if the roof is flat, additional mounting structures are needed to tilt solar panels to the optimal angle.

Orientation

In the northern hemisphere, the most popular and preferred orientation for solar panels is south-facing. It is the best option for the whole year. Another option would be East-West facing, but it works better if there is a sun tracking mechanism.

How to Calculate Solar Panel Angle?

The first thing that you need to check is the hemisphere you live in. According to that, you need to add and subtract certain values to get the angle for Summer and Winter.

Let’s see how you can calculate the best solar panel angle for the Northern Hemisphere.

Check the latitude of your area. You can use your ZIP code or address to find the latitude. Suppose it’s 40.

Now, multiply the value by 0.9. So, we got 40 x 0.9 = 36

For Summer, subtract 23.5⁰ from the answer. Thus, the best angle in Summer would be 36 – 23.5 = 12.5⁰

For Winter, add 29⁰ to the answer you got after multiplication. The best angle in Winter would be 36 + 29 = 65⁰

For Spring and Fall, subtract 2.5⁰ from the latitude value. The best angle would be 40 – 2.5 = 37.5⁰

If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, you will have to add 29⁰ to the latitude value for Summer and subtract 23.5⁰ from the latitude value for Winter. It’s just the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. The best angle for the Spring and Fall can be found through the same method.

What is the Best Angle for a Solar Panel?

Here are some best angles for different regions of the US.

Orientation or Angle for Solar Panels: Which is Important?

The orientation and angle of solar panels are both important. Both of them contribute to the generation of maximum power.

Orientation means the direction of the solar panel. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the best option would be to place the panels South facing. That way, the panels will face the sun most of the time. If you deviate from the South, the sunlight absorption will be affected.

Once the solar panels are set in the right orientation, you have to pay attention to the angle. For maximum absorption, the sunlight should be perpendicular to the solar panels most of the time. You have to adjust the angle every month according to the season to harvest maximum energy. You can calculate the best angle according to the method we have shared in this article.

Bonus: Best Angle for Solar Panels of Security Camera

Reolink Altas PT Ultra

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a battery-powered Wi-Fi camera that can be effortlessly powered by a small solar panel, which can be positioned in any sunny spot. It boasts a 20000mAh battery with a capacity 100% greater than similar models, providing additional standby time.

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Reolink Argus 4 Pro

Argus 4 Pro is a battery-powered Wi-Fi camera. It can be powered by a small solar panel that you can place anywhere sunlight stays most of the time. 10 minutes of charging is enough for the camera to work for 24 hours. Secondly, it has 30% more battery life, which gives you 12 days extra standby time.

It’s a powerful 4K camera with dual lenses. It captures everything with intricate details and covers a 180⁰ wide field of view, leaving no blind spots. It also contains Reolink ColorX technology that records true colors during the day and night. The camera offers enhanced smart detection, smooth 4K streaming, real-time alerts, and a lot more.

FAQs

1. Is it better to have solar panels flat or angled?

It is better to have solar panels angled so that the sunlight can be perpendicular to the solar panels for maximum absorption. The best angle must be determined to get maximum energy from solar panels.

2. What pitch is best for solar panels?

It depends on various factors. First, you need to know the hemisphere and latitude of the place you live in. Then, you need to calculate the best pitch for different seasons according to the method we have shared

3. What is the best direction for solar panels?

The best direction of solar panels is South facing. You will get the most of the sunlight throughout the year.

Conclusion

For maximum energy generation, it is necessary to tilt solar panels at the best angle. The best angle changes with the location and the time of the year. That’s why we have shared the complete method to calculate the best angle for solar panels. You can calculate the best angle for different seasons without any professional help.