Optimum Slope For Solar Panels

To get the most from solar panels you need to point them in the direction that captures the most sun.

Optimum slope for solar panels.

The other half of the equation is finding the vertical angle or tilt of your solar panels. But there are a number of variables in figuring out the best direction. In reality however there are not that many existing residential roofs with 51 53 pitch. Regardless of where you live or the tilt of your roof adopting solar power provides significant savings.

Many roofs are going to have slopes between 30 and 40 degrees which means that solar panels can lie flush against the roof and produce enough electricity for attractive returns. The orientation of the panels and the angle they are tilted will have a greater effect on annual energy production. In the above case example of a latitude of 34 the tilt angle will be 34 0 9 29 59 6. Optimal electricity production occurs when solar panels face south at a tilt equal to 30.

Optimum tilt of solar panels. For photovoltaic panels where the electricity is re injected into the grid for re sale the optimum orientation is south with an angle of a 37 which maximizes total electricity production. However the panels can be installed anywhere between 10 to 35 deg with negligible efficiency loss. Most australian homes have a roof pitch of 20 to 30 which is considered optimum for maximizing solar power generation.

If you are trying to install solar panels on a steep roof it may not be possible to place panels at the optimal tilt with traditional racking systems. The angle of your roof actually has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your solar energy system faces. Pick one angle and leave it alone or adjust the tilt a few times per year to optimize seasonal production. With the dualsun pv t panels which produce both electricity and hot water the optimal angle is the same as for pv panels.

Finding the optimal tilt for your solar panels. Building an elevated racking system to accommodate for this tilt angle might not be worth the extra cost therefore installing solar panels at an optimum 27 30 mark has proven to be very effective. You have a couple options here. This angle is 10 steeper than in the general method but very effective at tapping the midday sun which is.

In this method the optimum tilt angle for solar panels during winter is calculated by multiplying the latitude by 0 9 and then adding 29. This page is designed to help you find the best placement for your solar panels in your situation.