Here two simple methods for calculating approximate solar panel angle according to your latitude.
Calculate optimal angle for tracking solar panels.
The optimal angle for your solar panels varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location and this calculator shows the difference in sun height on a month by month basis.
Select the town or city nearest where you live.
For a latitude up to 25 take your latitude and multiply it by 0 87 for a latitude between 25 to 50 take your latitude multiply by 0 87 after that you will add 3 1 degrees for a latitude over 50 the most ideal angle will end up being approximately 45 degrees.
Tilt the panels to your latitude.
There are two methods for calculating the tilt angle for solar panels.
If you have selected america or canada select your state or province.
Both of these angles require latitude degrees.
Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15.
Best solar panel angle by zip code.
Property owners the ideal angle for a solar panel installation is close or equal to the latitude of your home on a south facing roof.
Similarly you can calculate the angle for winter by adding 15.
Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15.
Tilt the panels to your latitude.
Whatever your latitude is you can subtract 15 from it to calculate the angle for summer.
For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49.
The more exact way to count out the best tilt angle is done as follows.
For a precise method use the second formula on this page to calculate tilt angle.
The calculator will then show the optimum angle for the solar panel.
For fall or spring you can just subtract 2 5 from the latitude.
The optimal tilt angle in each location is found by calculating panel output with diļ¬erent tilt angles until the tilt angle giving the maximum output is found.
Seasonal adjustments to optimal tilt angle.
Subtract 15 degrees from the latitude at your location during summer and add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter.
So what is the best tilt angle for solar panels in the united states.
There s a simple rule of thumb for calculating the best tilt angle for fixed mount solar panels.
For the vast majority of u s.
Lower tilts closer to 25 will be better for southern states while those in the north will want to be closer to 35.
In most countries an optimal tilt angle is estimated for only one location.
Select your country from the list.
The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer.
That tilt angle is the optimal tilt angle.
