How To Determine Best Solar Panel

Tilt the panels to your latitude.

How to determine best solar panel.

If two homes in different locations need the same amount of energy the home with the sunniest weather will need less panels. If your latitude is above 50 see other situationsbelow. 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. Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15.

The first way to achieve your energy goal is to conserve electric power by reducing appliance use and using efficient appliances. To determine how many solar panels you needed for your household first you need to know the home s energy load and set your energy goals. If your latitude is between 25 and 50 use the latitude times 0 76 plus 3 1 degrees. Subtract 15 degrees from the latitude at your location during summer and add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter.

Typically solar panels perform best on south facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees though other roofs may be suitable too. The size shape and slope of your roof are also important factors to consider. Similarly you can calculate the angle for winter by adding 15. Seasonal adjustments to optimal tilt angle.

There s a simple rule of thumb for calculating the best tilt angle for fixed mount solar panels. If there are trees near your home that create excessive shade on your roof rooftop panels may not be the most ideal option. How much energy a solar panel produces depends on the sunlight received. The rule is that if you live in the southern hemisphere you should point your panels true north and if you live in the northern hemisphere you should point them true south.

Both of these angles require latitude degrees. Now a compass tells you magnetic north and south but it does not show you true north and south. This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere. Whatever your latitude is you can subtract 15 from it to calculate the angle for summer.

For a precise method use the second formula on this page to calculate tilt angle. Tilt the panels to your latitude. In other words you will calculate the solar energy system s inputs. Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15.

Use one of these formulas to find the best angle from the horizontal at which the panel should be tilted. If your latitude is below 25 use the latitude times 0 87. Places with high electric rates and full retail net metering are often some of the best places to install solar. There is a difference.

For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south.