How do I calculate the tilt angle of solar panels?

The tilt angle of solar panels is decided based on the elevation of the sun in the sky. Select the date & time and your timezone, enter your longitude & latitude to calculate the solar elevation angle (or solar latitude angle) and zenith angle.

How do I find the best angle for my solar panels?

Simply enter your address and it will provide the optimal angles for each season, as well as a year-round average angle for your specific location. An example of the calculator results. Discover the best angle for your solar panels with our Solar Panel Tilt Angle Calculator. Maximize energy efficiency and save money!

How to calculate solar elevation?

The solar elevation formula is as follows: Here, ɑ is the solar elevation angle, δ is the declination angle, ɸ is the latitude of your location, and h is the solar hour angle. Therefore, we require three variables (latitude, declination, hour angle) to calculate the elevation of the sun. Let’s one-by-one understand each of the three.

What angle should solar panels be positioned?

In the former half of the year, the sun will be at higher altitudes, over our heads. Thus, solar panels must be positioned nearly horizontally. In other words, panels must be angles at a lower tilt angle. For example, the optimum tilt angle in San Francisco (37.7° N, 122.4° W) between March to August, as per the calculator, is 16°.

Why do solar panels need a higher tilt angle?

When the sun is lower in the sky, solar panels need a greater tilt angle to receive direct sunlight. When the sun is higher, panels require less tilt. The goal is to catch as much direct sunlight as possible throughout the day and across seasons. So when the sun hangs lower in winter, you’d increase the panel angle.

What is a solar elevation angle?

The solar elevation angle (or solar latitude angle) is a measure of the angular position of the sun in the sky.