Aiming A Solar Panel

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.

Aiming a solar panel.

1 calculate the exact southern. Choosing the best angle and direction for your solar panels will optimize the amount of sunlight they receive and allow you to get the most out of your solar power system. Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15. If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend.

Tilt the panels to your latitude. However every place is different as you have to take seasons and the average position of the sun into account when installing one. By aiming them directly at the sun and figuring the correct angle for your latitude you can ensure that your panels absorb as much solar energy as possible. Some who install them on their roofs are somewhat limited but if you have the luxury of choosing exactly how you want your system setup there are a few tricks you can use to determine how you should tilt and point your panels.

There is plenty of sun in the summer it shines a lot longer and our demand for heat is much less. The angle at which the solar panel is elevated plays a vital role in maximizing the production of energy. With that in mind especially with the goal of doing some space heating optimize your panels for winter when you really need the heat. The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location and this calculator shows the difference in sun height on a month by month basis.

The direction solar panels should face is true south a k a. Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15. True south can also be calculated at noon when shadows from vertical objects run north south. For example if you have trees to the east but not the west it may be better for you to aim your solar panels slightly to the west.

Determining the best angle can be a tedious task. You may need to make adjustments for your situation. Therefore the best angle for your solar panels is the one that allows the panels to get the most direct perpendicular light. Solar south or geographic south.

Or if you often have clouds in the afternoon but not the morning you might aim your panels slightly to the east.