Solar Panel Alignment Map

If you live in the northern hemisphere face them south.

Solar panel alignment map. Therefore the best angle for your solar panels is the one that allows the panels to get the most direct perpendicular light. For best results your solar panels should face toward the equator. Find the best angle for optimizing solar collection during winter when solar energy is most scarce by multiplying your latitude by 0 89 and. The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location.

If you live in the southern hemisphere face them north. True north is not the same as magnetic north. Solar panels on a shallow roof capture more sunlight during the summer season whereas solar panels on a steep roof will produce more power during the winter. Ground mounted solar panels can even be placed on trackers which adjust the position of the panels throughout the year in order to maximize the amount of sunlight reaching them.

If ground or wall mounted panels don t work for you solar panels can also be mounted on a building near your house like your garage or a storage shed. This solar angle calculator tells you by location the optimum angle to get the best out of your system. 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. To find your latitude consult a map for your region.

While you can use solar panel trackers to keep them at the optimum angle at all times the costs and complications involved aren t worth it in most cases.