What Is the Most Efficient Angle for a Solar Panel?

Solar panels allow us to power our homes using renewable and clean energy. And for the panels to capture optimal sunlight, they need to be aligned at an angle. But what is the best angle for your solar panel? This article highlights how you can calculate the most efficient angle and factors you need to consider when determining this angle. 

Why Does Solar Panel Angle Matter?

Solar panel angle is the tilt at which your solar panels are mounted in relation to the horizontal panel. In short, it is your panel’s vertical tilt. The angle your panels are determines sunlight’s exposure. Achieve an ideal angle and electricity production will increase. Otherwise, you’ll not take advantage of your area’s peak sun hours. 

As you’d guess, the sun’s position changes with geographical location and seasons. The angle will increase the further you move from the equator. For example, cities such as Brownsville and El Paso, will require less tilt since they are nearer to the equator. On the other hand, Chicago and Corona will require more tilt since they are further away from the equator. 

For example, by placing the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel at the right angle, you can rest assured it will capture maximum sunlight. And since it has a 23.4% conversion rate, it will generate ample electricity to power most of your devices. The portable design allows you to orient it with the sun’s direction throughout the day.

What is The Difference Between Solar Panel Angle and Orientation?

As mentioned, solar panel angle is the vertical tilt relative to the horizontal panel. Solar panel orientation is the direction your panels are facing: north, south, west, or east. Solar installers follow the true direction rather than magnetic poles. True north aligns with earth’s true axis. 

So, if your home is in the northern hemisphere, your solar panel’s orientation should face true south. Likewise, if you are in the southern hemisphere, your solar panel’s orientation should face true north. This will allow your panels to capture ample sunlight, producing more electricity. 

What Is the Most Efficient Angle for a Solar Panel?

The optimal angle of your solar panels depends on your location and the time of the year. As you’d expect, solar panels produce more electricity when they are directly facing the sun. And since the sun’s position is dynamic, there’s no one-fits-all angle for your panels. However, there are two ways you can determine the most ideal angle.

You should add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtract 15 degrees during summer. For example, if your latitude is 25° the best tilt angle will be 15 + 30= 45° during winter. During summer, the optimal tilt angle will be 30 - 15 = 15°. This is an easy method since there are many online sites that display the latitude of most cities.

Another method that is more accurate is multiplying your latitude by 0.9 and then adding 29 degrees during winter. Using the above example we can calculate the optimal tilt angle by (30 * 0.9) + 29 = 56°. As you can see, the tilt angle is steeper with 11° than the first method. This ensures your solar panels are under direct sunlight, producing more power.

To calculate the ideal tilt angle during summer, multiply your latitude with 0.9 and substrate 23.5 degrees. As such, the angle would be (30 * 0.9) - 23.5 = 3.5°. If this seems daunting, you can use online tilt angle calculators for better results. 

Best Solar Angle for Main Cities 

Factors Affecting Solar Panel Angle 

Here are factors that affect the angle of your solar panels.

• Latitude 

As mentioned, latitude plays a critical role when it comes to the angle of your solar panels. Ideally, the further you are from the equator, the more the tilt angle. Generally, the optimal angle in the U.S. is 35 to 45 degrees. 

For your solar panels to capture optimal sunlight, they need to be tilted in a way that they receive maximum sunshine. You should tilt your panels at the same angle as your latitude. You can easily achieve this with the portable BLUETTI PV420 Solar Panel. Just calculate the tilt angle and place it in an open area facing the true south. 

• Time of Year

Seasons also affect the angle of your solar panels. As you’ve seen, the best angle during winter is between 40 and 60 degrees. To achieve this, you just need to add 15 degrees to your latitude and you have the most ideal angle. 

During summer the tilt angle can be as low as 10 degrees. Just subtract 15 degrees from your latitude. Any orientation outside this will reduce the efficiency of your solar panels, producing less electricity. 

• The Roof’s Design 

As you’d expect, homes have different designs with the tilt being one of them. You should therefore consider the roof’s tilt before installing solar panels. This will help you calculate the best solar tilt angle for maximum capture of sunlight. 

For example, a flat roof can allow you to adjust the tilt angle until you find the most ideal. Steeper roofs might require you to add flat panels for optimal orientation. 

• Direction of The Solar Panels 

The direction your solar panels face also determines the tilt angle. As mentioned, solar panels in the Northern Hemisphere facing true south, produce more electricity since they have a longer exposure to sunlight. Likewise, panels in the Southern Hemisphere facing true north, produce more energy. 

The optimal direction for solar panels in the U.S. is facing true south since most of the cities are in the Northern Hemisphere. So, make sure to place your BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel facing true south to take advantage of the 23.4% conversion rate.

Can You Use Solar Trackers To Get The Ideal Tilt Angle?

Yes, you can use a solar tracker to achieve the most ideal tilt angle. These are devices that change the orientation of your solar panels, allowing them to follow the sun throughout the day. This helps maximize energy capture. 

In PV systems, solar trackers help reduce the angle of incidence between the sun rays and the solar panel’s surface. This improves the capture of sunlight while increasing the amount of energy produced.

There are two types of solar trackers: single-axis and dual-axis. Single axis solar trackers move back and forth in a single direction. For example, you can buy a polar, horizontal, vertical, or tilted tracker. Dual-axis on the other hand can move in different directions, allowing the solar panels to face the sun throughout the day.

Selecting the most ideal solar tracker depends on several factors including latitude, system size, land constraints, and weather. Most homeowners prefer dual-axis solar trackers since they offer better return on investment. Single-axis units are mostly used in commercial applications.

Using solar trackers can increase electricity production by up to 40% in states such as California and Florida. This is because solar panels are adjusted to the optimal tilt angle throughout the day. And if you’ll be exporting electricity to the grid, you can rest assured of better returns.

That said, there are some downsides to installing solar trackers. For one, they are expensive to maintain and require specialized installation. And if the tracker breaks down when the solar panels are at a not-so-optimal angle, electricity production will reduce. 

FAQs

At what angle do solar panels lose efficiency?

Well, solar panels lose efficiency if they are angled 10 to 15 degrees on either side of the optimal tilt angle. They can lose between 1 and 1.5% efficiency. Installing solar panels on a flat rooftop can also reduce your solar panel’s efficiency, especially if you are in the Southern Hemisphere.

What is the best angle for your solar panels?

The ideal angle for solar panels in the U.S. is between 30 and 45 degrees. The panels should, however, be facing true south for optimal electricity production.

Why do solar panels work best at an angle?

They work best at an angle since sunlight hits the solar panels perpendicularly. If placed in the most ideal angle, the panels will capture the sunlight seamlessly. 

Final Thoughts

By placing your solar panels at the right angle, you are poised to increase your system’s electricity production. Make sure to consider the direction of your solar panels, latitude, and time of year when calculating the ideal solar panel tilt angle.