Aiming A Solar Panel

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 basis.

Aiming a solar panel.

To get the best out of your photovoltaic panels you need to angle them towards the sun. Solar south or geographic south. Determining the best angle can be a tedious task. By aiming them directly at the sun and figuring the correct angle for your latitude you can ensure that your panels absorb as much solar energy as possible.

Tilt the panels to your latitude. Tilt the panels to your latitude. For example if you have trees to the east but not the west it may be better for you to aim your solar panels slightly to the west. There is plenty of sun in the summer it shines a lot longer and our demand for heat is much less.

Or if you often have clouds in the afternoon but not the morning you might aim your panels slightly to the east. Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15. To correct the compass reading your solar installer will calculate the magnetic declination of your site. With that in mind especially with the goal of doing some space heating optimize your panels for winter when you really need the heat.

The direction solar panels should face is true south a k a. However every place is different as you have to take seasons and the average position of the sun into account when installing one. You may need to make adjustments for your situation. Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15.

The angle at which the solar panel is elevated plays a vital role in maximizing the production of energy. Solar panels produce electricity when sunlight hits their surface and they produce the most energy when that sunlight is exactly perpendicular to the panel face. True south can also be calculated at noon when shadows from vertical objects run north south. 1 calculate the exact southern.

Choosing the best angle and direction for your solar panels will optimize the amount of sunlight they receive and allow you to get the most out of your solar power system.