Azimuth and Tilt Angle of solar panel
Basic knowledge of Tilt and Azimuth
The tilt angle of a solar panel is crucial for capturing the solar radiation reaching its surface. The performance and efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) panel are significantly affected by its tilt angle relative to the horizontal.
The tilt angle shows how sloping the solar panels are compared to the ground. A horizontal panel will have a tilt of 0°, whereas a vertical one will have a tilt of 90°. The most common tilt for home use solar panels is between 10° and 45°, but the actual angle varies by your project site. The azimuth angle describes in which direction the solar panels are facing, with 0° most often being north, 90° east, 180° south, and 270° west. Panels usually do best in the Northern Hemisphere when oriented south.
There are two ways for you to check the right tilt angle for your solar PV system project.
Way 1:
Take your latitude, add 15 degrees in winter, and subtract 15 degrees in summer.
For example, if your latitude is 35 degrees, the tilt angle of your solar panels in winter is: 35 + 15 = 50 degrees.
In summer, it is: 35 - 15 = 20 degrees.
Way 2:
For Winter
In the winter months, when there's less sun, take your latitude, time it by 0.9, and then plus 29 degrees.
For example: if your latitude is 35 degrees, the angle you want to tilt your panels in the winter is: (35 * 0.9) + 29 = 60 degrees.
This is about 10 degrees more tilted than the "quick and easy" method! And it's more efficient too, because on a winter day with short daylight hours, you want your solar panels facing directly towards the sun around noon.
For Summer
Take your latitude, multiply it by 0.9, and subtract 23.5 degrees.
For example: if your latitude is 35 degrees, your panels should be tilted at: (35 * 0.9) - 23.5 = 8 degrees.
For Spring & Fall
Take your latitude and subtract 2.5 degrees.
For example: if your latitude is 35 degrees, the best tilt for your panels in the spring & fall is: 35 - 2.5 = 32.5 degrees.
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Summary: Solar Panel Angle Calculation |
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| SEASON | ANGLE / TILT CALCULATION |
| Winter | (Latitude * 0.9) + 29 degrees |
| Summer | (Latitude * 0.9) - 23.5 degrees |
| Spring and Fall | Latitude - 2.5 degrees |
