Best Alignment For Solar Panels

For starters there is no single ideal angle for solar panels.

Best alignment for solar panels. Ideally a fixed roof mounted solar energy system should be at an angle that is equal to the latitude of the location where it is installed. True north is not the same as magnetic north. However pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations. 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.

If you re in the u s. In general there s one big rule. Solar panels should always face true south if you are in the northern hemisphere or true north if you are in the southern hemisphere. Find the best angle for optimizing solar collection during winter when solar energy is most scarce by multiplying your latitude by 0 89 and then adding 24 degrees.

Your solar panel orientation is very important when it comes to maximising the amount of electricity that your solar panels will produce. If you are using a compass to orient your panels you need to correct for the difference which varies from place to place. However if you live in an urban area in the united states you might just be able to find the best angle for the photovoltaic panels with your zip code. Therefore to get the very best out of your photovoltaic panels you would typically face them due south at the optimum angle so that the panel is receiving as much sunlight as possible at this time.

In the northern hemisphere the sun is due south at solar noon. Overall the angle of your rooftop has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your roof faces. South facing panels produced a 54 percent peak reduction overall while west facing solar pv panels produced a 65 percent peak reduction. Therefore the best angle for your solar panels is the one that allows the panels to get the most direct perpendicular light.

Now all of this is very important for utilities and legislators who are in charge of offering incentives for solar power or other measures that could reduce electricity demand at the height of the day. As we re in the northern hemisphere the best solar panel orientation is obviously south but.