Well now that we know that the optimal direction is south we need to find the optimal tilt angle.
Optimum solar panel angle uk.
This solar angle calculator tells you the optimum angle to get the best out of your system.
In the uk the optimum roof pitch for solar panels is 30 to 40 degrees.
To get the best out of your photovoltaic panels you need to angle them towards the sun.
The need for energy production and the need for an aesthetically pleasing and long lasting final result the roof of a house already has its own inclination and slope so a.
At a 90 degree angle face on.
As the sun appears to move across the sky from east to west through the day and it appears to move up and then down in the sky as well an optimum fixed mounting position must be found for a.
First of all in the choice of the tilt angle for solar panels on a house roof we are bound to satisfy two basic needs.
For example a solar panel placed flat onto a west facing wall will produce about half the amount of electricity compared to being placed at a 30 degree angle on a south facing roof.
This is due to the fact that the angle of the sun is 50 to 60 degrees which when combined with a 30 to 40 degree roof pitch creates a 90 degree angle.
The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location and this calculator shows the difference in sun.
The sun s rays are hitting the panel perpendicularly i e.
In winter a panel fixed at the winter angle will be relatively efficient capturing 81 to 88 percent of the energy compared to optimum tracking.
For example if you are seeking to maximise solar generation during winter months be it for an off grid system or higher energy consumption levels you would ideally want to angle your panels at a greater tilt for maximum exposure to the low winter sun.
Placing panels flush against these types of roofs will mean less electricity production which will lead to reduced solar savings over time.
In the spring summer and autumn the efficiency is lower 74 75 in spring autumn and 68 74 in summer because in these seasons the sun travels a larger area of the sky and a fixed panel can t.
Providing the highest level of solar radiation.
A photovoltaic solar panel will generate the most electricity when solar radiation hits it directly i e.
The ideal angle for your solar panels can vary depending on your solar objectives.
Optimum angle differs during winter months.
So we ve established that there s a sweet spot for your solar panel orientation which is directly south and a sweet spot for elevation which is between 30º and 40º.
In the above case example of a latitude of 34 the tilt angle will be 34 0 9 29 59 6.
If even one panel is shaded it will reduce the output of all your panels unless you invest in micro inverters or other optimizing devices.
In this method the optimum tilt angle for solar panels during winter is calculated by multiplying the latitude by 0 9 and then adding 29.