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.
Best inclination angle for solar panel seattle.
If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend.
If your latitude is between 25 and 50 then the best tilt angle for summer is the latitude times 0 93 minus 21 degrees.
The tilt is included angle of horizon and solar panel.
The tilt is 0 if solar panel parallel to horizon to design the tilt is 90 if the solar panel is vertical to design.
Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15.
An additional 3 5 though can be gained by evaluating this more carefully.
Subtract 15 degrees from the latitude at your location during summer and add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter.
Orientation of the panels.
For a latitude up to 25 take your latitude and multiply it by 0 87.
If you are going to adjust the tilt of your solar panels twice a year and you want to get the most energy over the whole year then this section is for you.
For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south.
This solar angle calculator tells you the optimum angle to get the best out of your system.
On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north.
In case the roof is very steep you may not be able to get the most optimal tilt angle for the panel especially if it is lower than the angle of the roof.
Tilt the panels to your latitude.
At this level the solar panel can lie flat on the roof and get enough sunlight to produce enough electricity.
The following table gives the best dates on which to adjust.
For a latitude between 25 to 50 take your latitude multiply by 0 87 after that you will add 3 1 degrees.
For a precise method use the second formula on this page to calculate tilt angle.
Since solar panels are more productive when the sun s rays are perpendicular to their surfaces the certainly best orientation is the one directly true south azimuth angle 180.
Tilt the panels to your latitude.
Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15.
While the angle of your solar panels is important a more important factor in your energy production is going to be the direction your panels face.
This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere.
For a latitude over 50 the most ideal angle will end up being approximately 45 degrees.
The optimum angle 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.