Calculating Optimal Azimuth For Solar Panels

Welcome to another entry in our ongoing solar 101 series.

Calculating optimal azimuth for solar panels.

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. 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. Purpose of use calculating soffit overhang to maximize passive solar house design bug report the time portion is confusing as when i enter 12.

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. The vertical tilt of your panels. The calculator shows the degrees from vertical. The table below features a solar panel angle by zip code for at least one city from every state.

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. Calculating the optimal solar panel angle. Here two simple methods for calculating approximate solar panel angle according to your latitude. Elevation angle and azimuth angle commonly shortened to angle and azimuth for brevity.

As solar power is a cleaning energy its application is fast increasing spread the world. Therefore the best angle for your solar panels is the one that allows the panels to get the most direct perpendicular light. Today we re going to explain how to mount your solar panels to get the most energy from them. Also the time zones are not explained and one would think could be automatically.

Let s start with two key terms. 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. In most of the solar pv energy calculator tools an azimuth value of zero is facing the equator in both northern and southern hemispheres.

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. 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. 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. The compass angle shows 180 for south 90 for east and 270 for west.

Azimuth is the array s east west orientation in degrees. Optimum angle differs during winter months.