Calculating Optimal Azimuth For Solar Panels

Optimum angle differs during winter months.

Calculating optimal azimuth for solar panels. Today we re going to explain how to mount your solar panels to get the most energy from them. As a rule of thumb solar panels should be more vertical during winter to gain most of the low winter sun and more tilted during summer to maximize the output. The calculator shows the degrees from vertical. The calculator will then show the optimum angle for the solar panel.

Presently the cost is still high to install a solar power generation system from present cost of power generation in china the cost of solar panel is about 40 50 in whole of solar system therefore in order to make the most of solar energy it is also an important that how to decide azimuth and tilt. Azimuth is the array s east west orientation in degrees. Your life would be much easier if you could just find out what angle is the optimal solar panel angle in your city or county. Positive 90 degrees is facing due west negative 90 degrees is facing due east.

The vertical tilt of your panels. 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. Elevation angle and azimuth angle commonly shortened to angle and azimuth for brevity. Solar panel angle by zip code.

Calculating the optimal solar panel angle. Therefore the best angle for your solar panels is the one that allows the panels to get the most direct perpendicular light. Here two simple methods for calculating approximate solar panel angle according to your latitude. While the sun is in a higher position in the sky during the summer and lower position during the winter it has an average position right in between the two seasons.

The table below features a solar panel angle by zip code for at least one city from every state. Which should be noon if you are using a 24 hour time the sun angle is shown as negative and i have to go to around 10 pm 2200 hours to get the highest elevation angle. If you cannot change the angle of your panel throughout the year angle your panel according to the time of year that you need to get the best performance out of your system. The ideal angle for your solar panels can vary depending on your solar objectives.

On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north. Also the time zones are not explained and one would think could be automatically. 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. In most of the solar pv energy calculator tools an azimuth value of zero is facing the equator in both northern and southern hemispheres.

Welcome to another entry in our ongoing solar 101 series. As solar power is a cleaning energy its application is fast increasing spread the world.