Solar panel installation is a wise investment in reducing your carbon footprint and electricity bills.
However, the angle of your solar panels can make all the difference in the energy produced and your annual savings. This article will explore the significance of solar panel orientation and provide tips for finding the best angle for your solar panels.
Factors Influencing Optimum Tilt Angle
The tilt angle of your solar panels is crucial to their performance. The two main factors that influence the optimum tilt angle are the weather and your location.
Weather:
The sun's height changes throughout the year, depending on your location. Therefore, the perfect angle of your solar panels is bound to change from summer to winter. Solar panels will usually be installed to provide balanced energy in both seasons.
Location:
Your location significantly determines the ideal angle for your solar panels. The equator receives the most sunlight, so facing your panels in that direction is best. The tilt angle decreases the closer you get to the equator. Once at the equator, you can place your panels flat on the roof.
Additionally, pay attention to peak hours, the times when the sun shines the brightest.
The Optimum Angle for Solar Panels
To maximize energy production, your solar panels need to be at a perpendicular 90-degree angle to the sun for as long as possible during the day. This means making them face the equator at an angle between 30 and 45 degrees relative to the horizon.
Your optimal solar panel angle depends on the latitude of your home's location. Finding the ideal tilt angle can be challenging, so it's best to leave it to professional solar panel installers, shading, and additional support structures.
Azimuth vs. Tilt Angle
When positioning solar panels, you'll come across two angles: the azimuth and tilt angles. The azimuth angle is the horizontal angle that solar panels face about the equator. The tilt angle is the vertical angle of the solar panels facing the sky, also known as the elevation angle. The lower the angle, the more "up" towards the sky solar panels face.
Roof Considerations
Your roof must also meet specific conditions to have solar panels installed on it. Here are some critical considerations:
Roof Shape:
The best roof designs for solar panel installation are hip, flat, and gable. More architectural elements on your roof will make installing solar panels more challenging.
Angle:
Your house's angle is an essential consideration, too, since homes can range from flat to steep roofs. You might also need additional support structures to hold up your solar panels. Calculating these structures can become even more difficult if your roof has corners, forms, and pitches.
Shading:
Blocking any sunlight in the case of solar panels is detrimental to solar energy production. Place your solar panels where there are no shades. Remember to remove any objects nearby that could set a shadow on your solar panels.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect solar panel angle may take time, patience, trial, and error. However, it will be worth it in the long run. Optimizing the angle of your solar panels will increase energy production, save you money on electricity bills, and help reduce your carbon footprint. Trust the professionals to help you find the right angle for your solar panels, and you'll make the most of your investment while producing zero pollutants.