Why the right solar panel angle is crucial for electricity production

Why the right solar panel angle is crucial for electricity production

Most of the time, installers do not check the solar system output in totality. Nowadays, when people buy solar panels along with an Inverter with a Grid feed system or a Solar system with a storage system, they forget to tune the panels according to the right angle. This makes the solar system output efficient, as the right angle of solar panels is critical.

Choosing the Right Solar Panel Angle: Factors to Consider Solar panels generate the most electricity when facing the sun directly. A fixed angle isn’t ideal since the sun’s position changes throughout the day and seasons. Tilting your panels at an optimal angle allows them to capture more sunlight for better electricity production.

Factors Affecting Optimal Angle:

• Location (Latitude): This is the most crucial factor. The sun’s path across the sky varies depending on your latitude. Locations closer to the equator (lower latitudes) experience a more direct year-round sun path, while higher latitudes see a more seasonal swing.
• Seasonal Needs: Depending on when you need the most solar energy (winter or summer), the optimal angle might differ
  • Winter vs. Summer: Ideally, you’d want your panels to face the sun directly throughout the day. The sun sits lower in winter, so a steeper tilt angle is better to capture those rays. Conversely, the sun is higher in the summer, so a slightly shallower tilt is more efficient.
  • How to calculate Latitude:

    1. Using Online Tools:

    • Latitude and Longitude Finder:

      • Visit a website like https://www.latlong.net/.
      • Enter the address or place name into the search bar.
      • The website will pinpoint the location on a map and provide its latitude and longitude coordinates.

    • Google Maps:

      • Open Google Maps (https://maps.google.com/).
      • Find your desired location on the map.
      • Right-click on the location.
      • A popup window will appear, displaying the latitude and longitude.

    2. Using a Smartphone:

    • Many smartphones have built-in GPS features that can determine your exact coordinates.
    • Use a compass app or a GPS-specific app to find your latitude and longitude. Apps like Google Maps can also display your coordinates

• Other Considerations:

  • Shading: Nearby trees, buildings, or even your own roof structure can cast shadows on your panels throughout the day, reducing efficiency. When calculating tilt, consider minimizing shading throughout the year.
  • System Type: Fixed-tilt systems offer a simple and cost-effective approach, but their angle is a compromise between winter and summer performance. Single-axis tracking systems can adjust their tilt throughout the day to follow the sun, maximizing efficiency but at a higher cost.
• Additional factors like local weather patterns (snowfall in winter) or your specific energy usage patterns (more reliance on winter heating) might also influence the optimal angle in your case.

Why the right solar panel angle is crucial for electricity production

Calculation Methods:

When it comes to calculating the optimal tilt angle for your solar panels, there are a couple of methods you can use. These methods provide estimates, and a solar professional can offer a more precise calculation based on your specific location and needs. Here’s a breakdown of two common methods:

Method 1 (Simple but Less Accurate): This method is easy to understand but offers a rough estimate. It uses your latitude as the base and applies adjustments based on the season

• Winter Angle: Add 15 degrees to your latitude. This aims to capture the lower winter sun.
• Summer Angle: Subtract 15 degrees from your latitude. This adjusts for the higher summer sun.

Example: If your latitude is 30°:

• Winter tilt angle: 30° + 15° = 45°
• Summer tilt angle: 30° – 15° = 15°

Method 2 (More Accurate):

• This method provides a more refined estimate by taking your latitude into greater account:

  • Winter Angle: Multiply your latitude by 0.9 and then add 29°. This aims to capture the midday sun during winter, which is most critical for short winter days.
  • Summer Angle: Multiply your latitude by 0.9 and then subtract 23.5°. This adjusts for the higher summer sun.
  • Spring & Fall: Subtract 2.5° from your latitude. This provides a compromise angle for these in-between seasons.

  Example: Using the same latitude of 30°:

  • Winter tilt angle: (30° * 0.9) + 29° = 56.5°
  • Summer tilt angle: (30° * 0.9) – 23.5° = 4.5°
  • Spring & Fall tilt angle: 30° – 2.5° = 27.5°

solar systems with lithium battery

Solar panel angle

Important Notes:

• These are estimates. A solar professional can provide a more precise calculation, considering your specific location and needs.
• These methods assume a fixed tilt angle throughout the year. In reality, some systems have adjustable tilt mechanisms to optimize for different seasons.
• Local building codes or regulations might have requirements for solar panel tilt angles.
• While these methods provide a starting point, consulting a solar professional is recommended for a more accurate calculation considering your specific location, shading patterns, and energy usage needs.

Additional Tips:

• Consider any shading obstacles that might affect sunlight reaching your panels throughout the day.
• Local building codes or regulations might have requirements for solar panel tilt angles.