Solar array tilt angle and energy output the effect of an array s tilt angle on solar pv energy output may be up to 20 compared to that of flat installations.
Solar panel angle of incidence efficiency.
Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15.
This is the angle between the line that points to the sun and the angle that points straight out of a pv panel also called the line that is normal to the surface of the panel.
These angles will give you the best overall output over the course of the year if you re going for a fixed installation.
Tilt the panels to your latitude.
Axis trackers generate more electricity by using about the same amount of space as fixed systems.
In order to collect energy more efficiently solar panels should be angled to face as close to the sun as possible.
A comparison of data in two us cities has been completed to exhibit the importance of a solar pv array s tilt angle.
Photovoltaics produce power when the angle at which the sun s rays hit the panel surface the angle of incidence is small or when light strikes the panel as close to perpendicular as possible.
The image below shows.
In this way at noon the panels will be perfectly perpendicular to the sun s rays.
For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best.
It turns out that you can do better than this about 4 better.
Solar panels are most efficient when pointing at the sun so engineers want to minimize this angle at all times.
An additional 3 5 though can be gained by evaluating this more carefully.
Solar panels should always face true south in the northern hemisphere north in the southern hemisphere tilted from the hoizontal at a degree equal to your latitude plus 15 degrees in winter or minus 15 degrees in summer.
For instance in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees.
This is the most important angle.
Utilizing solar panel trackers to maximize your solar system s performance.
Books and articles on solar energy often give the advice that the tilt should be equal to your latitude plus 15 degrees in winter or minus 15 degrees in summer.
Solar panel tracking systems can improve a system s output by ensuring constant direct exposure to the sun both during the day and across seasons.
Calculating minimum sun height at noon.
If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend.
Tilt the panels to your latitude.
