Best Azimuth For Solar Panels

There are two methods for calculating the tilt angle for solar panels.

Best azimuth for solar panels. The tilt is 0 if solar panel parallel to horizon to design the tilt is 90 if the solar panel is vertical to design. The decision of azimuth. This being the case the general best practice to date has always been to position solar panels facing south in order to capture the maximum amount of sunlight overall. The compass angle shows 180 for south 90 for east and 270 for west.

In most of the solar pv energy calculator tools an azimuth value of zero is facing the equator in both northern and southern hemispheres. On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north. In solar terminology we d say the best compass azimuth or bearing is 180. Both of these angles require latitude degrees.

Since solar panels are more productive when the sun s rays are perpendicular to their surfaces the certainly best orientation is the one directly true south azimuth angle 180. But that of course isn t always possible and further with today s improved panels a roof facing east southeast southwest or west also work very well. Optimal azimuth angle for solar panels. The tilt is included angle of horizon and solar panel.

For best results your solar panels should face toward the equator. Similarly you can calculate the angle for winter by adding 15. For example the azimuth is 90 if solar is in the due east it is 90 if solar is in due west. Positive 90 degrees is facing due west negative 90 degrees is facing due east.

If you live in the southern hemisphere face them north. If you live in the northern hemisphere face them south. Whatever your latitude is you can subtract 15 from it to calculate the angle for summer.