Solar panels are an excellent kind of sustainable energy, but their effectiveness is heavily dependent on the installation angle. Orientation and solar panel angle determines their efficiency in capturing sunlight and converting it into power. The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in a solar system varies depending on the geographical location. Positioning solar panels in direct alignment with the sun maximizes their energy output.
It is widely known that the sun rises from the eastern horizon and sets into the western horizon. Nevertheless, the path of the sun during the day is slightly more complex. What is the significance of this? If you are interested in purchasing solar panels, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the intricate movements of the sun in relation to your precise geographical position.
The Earth possesses an inherent axial tilt and orbital trajectory around the sun. While it may appear to have a consistent motion on a daily basis, the planet’s movement will vary depending on your specific zip code compared to someone residing in another state.
Gaining a fundamental understanding of the sun’s motion will allow you to recognize the importance of your solar panels’ orientation and inclination. This article will explain the concepts of solar panel orientation and angles, as well as their impact on your panels’ efficiency.
What Is The Best Angle And Orientation For Solar Panels?
Solar Panel Angle
The solar panel angle refers to the vertical inclination of your solar panels. Understanding it can be slightly more challenging because the appropriate tilt will differ depending on the geographic area and time of year. In relation to their geographic position, the inclination of your panels will gradually increase as you go away from the equator.
The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in Pakistan is 23 to 37 degrees, ensuring their highest efficiency. The primary rule for determining the tilt angle is to orient it parallel to the installation site’s latitude.
Solar Panel Orientation
The orientation of a solar panel is simply the particular compass direction that the panel is facing, which can be either north, south, east, or west. People often position solar panels in a southward direction to maximize sun exposure. The optimal alignment for solar panels in homes situated north of the equator is to face directly towards the true south.
Homes located south of the equator should reverse their orientation to face directly north. This will optimize the orientation to maximize solar exposure and generate the most electricity output. Homes with solar panels oriented towards the east or west will generate approximately 20% less electricity.
Best direction for solar panels in the UK
| Solar Panel direction in UK | Working efficiency |
|---|---|
| North | 70% |
| East & West | 85% |
| South | 92-100% |
Best Solar Panel Angle per Location in UK
| Region | Best Solar Panel Angle |
|---|---|
| London and South East England | 35.9° |
| South West England | 35.8° |
| North England | 37.2° |
| Scotland | 37.8° |
| Wales | 36.3° |
| Northern Ireland | 37.2° |
Best direction for solar panels in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the summer and winter seasons last almost 5–6 months and 3–4 months, respectively. In Pakistan, the best direction for solar panels is south. Panels installed in the direction of the south usually harness energy with 100% efficiency.
Best Solar Panel Angle per Location in Pakistan
| Region in Pakistan | Best Solar Panel Angle |
|---|---|
| Islamabad | 33.6 ° |
| Lahore | 30-31° |
| Karachi | 24.9° |
| Peshawar | 34° |
Determining Optimum Solar Panel Angle by Zip Code
Search for your zip code or house address’s latitude on Google to determine the best angle for your solar panels. A solar panel’s optimal angle will usually be equal to or slightly higher than your home’s latitude. Nevertheless, the optimal angle of solar panels will vary throughout the year.
Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, is roughly 30 degrees latitude. Hence, the most advantageous tilt angle in Islamabad would range from 20 to 30 degrees.
Find Best Solar Panel Angle with Online Angle Tool
In most circumstances, the latitude rule is effective when determining the optimal tilt for your solar panels. Nevertheless, for individuals residing in areas outside the range of 30-45 degrees or those seeking the utmost accuracy in direction, it is suggested to utilize an internet-based calculator.
Tools like PVWatts or Footprint Hero employ advanced algorithms to compute multiple variables, including:
- Tilt angle
- Wind speed and temperature
- Altitude
- Latitude and longitude
- Efficiency loss
- Temperature coefficient
These solar calculators utilize a vast database of 30 years of weather data to determine highly accurate tilt angles for any place across the globe. However, in comparison to the latitude rule, their proposals only yield 0.7% greater output. Although they are effective for positioning solar panels at the optimal angle, they are not obligatory.
Factors Affecting the Optimum Solar Panel Angle
Multiple aspects are considered when calculating the ideal angle for solar panels. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these aspects is crucial in order to optimize the energy production of your solar system.
Latitude
The geographical location is a critical factor in establishing the optimal tilt angle of solar panels. The latitude of a location plays a crucial role in determining the average position of the sun over the course of a year. Optimizing the angle according to latitude ensures better alignment with the sun’s trajectory and maximizes the amount of solar radiation received.
For the majority of homeowners in the United States, the most advantageous inclination angle for solar panel installations is generally close to or equal to their property’s latitude. For roofs that face south, it is particularly important to have an angle between 30 and 45 degrees. The optimal inclination for installing solar panels in Pakistan is between 23 and 37 degrees.
Seasonal Variations
Because of the Earth’s axial inclination, the position of the sun varies throughout the year as a result of the Earth’s axial inclination. To optimize sunlight absorption, solar panels should be positioned at an angle that takes into account the changes in sunshine intensity over the seasons.
During the summer, a shallower angle is beneficial in offsetting the elevated position of the sun; however, in the winter, a steeper angle is advantageous in capturing a greater amount of sunlight when the sun is lower in the sky.
Pitch of the Roof or Design
The design and structure of the roof also influence the ideal tilt angle. Flat roofs may necessitate the use of racking systems or tilting brackets to attain the necessary angle, whereas pitched roofs may offer several tilt choices depending on their slope.
Solar Panels Direction
The orientation of solar panels, referred to as azimuth, is a critical determinant. Solar panels oriented in the true south direction often provide the greatest amount of energy in the Northern Hemisphere. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, solar panels facing the true north direction are considered optimal for energy generation.
In order to attain the best possible performance in the United States, it is advisable to orient solar panels towards the south. This is because the sun is generally located in the southern portion of the sky, which guarantees the highest level of sunlight exposure throughout the day.
Solar Panel Angle and the Impact of Seasons
Your geographical location and the seasonal variations in the sun’s position will influence the optimal angle of your solar panels. The sun will rise higher in the sky during the summer. During the winter season, the sun’s position in the sky will be lower. As a result, to optimize the productivity of your solar panels, you must adjust the tilt angle according to each season.
Nevertheless, the majority of solar panels installed for residential use fixed installation. Adjusting the tilt of fixed solar panels according to each season might be a challenging task.
In Pakistan, the sun’s elevation will be greater during the summer months and lower during the winter as it moves closer to the horizon. If feasible, it is advisable to modify the orientation of your panels, aiming for a flatter angle during summer and a more vertical position during winter, in order to optimize electricity production. The majority of home solar panel customers keep their panels at a fixed angle throughout the year.
Why does solar panel angle matter?
It is crucial to understand how solar cells work before knowing why angle matters. Solar cells absorb sunlight (photons) of a specific wavelength and convert it into electrical energy. The correct angle makes it easy to collect solar energy, and hence a solar panel works at its best.
Which Is More Important: Angle or Orientation?
The most crucial factor in solar panel installation is accurately establishing the optimal orientation. Inadequate alignment will result in insufficient solar panel exposure to sunlight, thus decreasing your electricity production. If you align the solar panels in the correct direction but at the wrong angle, they will produce more energy than if you align them at the correct angle but in the wrong orientation. Therefore, in order to maximize energy output, solar panel orientation matters more than angle.
Are tracking systems for solar panels worth it?
Solar panel tracking systems are beneficial since they optimize the production of solar energy. A solar tracking system, also known as a sun tracker or sun tracking system, enhances the energy generation of your solar system by adjusting the position of your panels to align with the sun’s movement during the day.
This optimization ensures that your panels receive solar radiation at the most favourable angle. Solar trackers are commonly employed for ground-mounted solar panels and expansive, self-supporting solar installations such as solar trees. However, they are not frequently utilized in the majority of residential solar projects.
Pros and cons of solar trackers
Pros of solar trackers
- Help solar panels to generate electricity efficiently
- Some solar systems require solar trackers
- Useful for variable electricity plan
Cons of solar trackers
- Only can be used for ground mounted panels
- Highly expensive
- More maintenance required
Can you put solar panels on a wall?
Yes, it is possible to install panels on walls, provided that you have the appropriate brackets and components. However, installing panels on your walls will present certain challenges, whereas installing them on a roof will not. The walls will experience a significant amount of shade, primarily due to nearby trees and other structures. As a result, the walls will be less stable, including the floor-mounted panels.
If you like, you have the option to install additional panels on a wall to enhance your system. Additionally, it is worth noting that wall-mounted panels would be significantly less efficient compared to panels put on the roof.
How shade affects solar panel system design?
Shading affects the efficiency and energy production of solar panels. Solar cells under shade are inactive, and directed energy converts into heat energy, which may lead to dormant solar cell damage.
Final Verdict
Both solar panel angle and orientation are important. The tilt angle is less important and can be ignored in comparison to the orientation of solar panels. We recommend determining your latitude angle and the optimal orientation for the solar panels before installing a solar system at your residence.
