Free Solar Pro - Tilt of Solar Panels

Which Direction Should I Aim my Solar Panels

Optimal energy production for your home with solar panels

Depending on where you live, you can receive optimal "sun collection" by following a few simple rules.

Solar panels should ALWAYS face south. Unless, of course, you live in the southern hemisphere, then they should face north.

During the winter, we have the least amount of sunlight, so to make the best of what is there, you should tilt your panels. A simple formula for this is to take your latitude, multiply by 0.9, then add 29 degrees. In the winter, most of the sun comes at midday, so your panels should be pointed directly at the sun at that time.

If you adjust the tilt of your panels, it is best to do this four times a year, when the "solar season" changes.

Winter October 13 to February 27; Spring February 27 to April 20; Summer April 20 to August 22; Autumn August 22 to October 13. In the Southern Hemisphere, adjust these dates by half a year.

If you don't want to tilt your panels, keep the tilt at what you would use for the winter, this would maximize the collection in the winter and you would still get energy during the other seasons, as well.

These directions, of course, would be for the optimum sun-catching ability. But, if you have trees, poles, or other obstructions to your panels, they may need to be adjusted to fit your circumstance.

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