Optimum Solar Panel Angle

Monday, June 21st, 2010 | Author: admin

Optimum Solar Panel Angle

What is the optimum tilt angle for a solar panel in our area? What would the tilt?

What is the optimum tilt angle for a solar panel in our area? What would the tilt
angle be if you want to optimize your Summer or Winter energy production?

That's actually a more complicated question than it might seem at first.

The simple answer for anyone above 23 degrees latitude is to tilt at latitude, so if your house is at 35 degrees latitude, you would tilt at 35 degrees.

However, the best financial payback may be to optimize for summer (latitude + 15 in the northern hemisphere), if you have air conditioning bills that kick up your electric rates into the expensive tier. On the other hand, if you live in an area that gets very hot, the panel efficiency will go down, so it might be better to go latitude + 5 or so.

To optimize for Winter, the simple answer is latitude - 15, but again, not so simple, if there's a chance you'll get snow on the panels.

I have our panels set up so that I could readjust the tilt twice a year if desired, but I have never done so, yet. Too much trouble for a rooftop installation. And I'm concerned about 100 mph wind gusts picking up the panels in winter if I were to tilt them at a high angle. As far as I know, the vast majority of residential installations just follow the slope of the south-facing roof and take what they can get.

If you're talking about water heating panels, I think the general practice is to just match the slope of the roof, and point them southwest (not south) in our area, because that's the optimum balance between the sun and the daytime temperature.

Fixed mount Solar Panel Optimum Tilt Angle Analysis

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Installation Basics for Residential Solar Panels

Maybe you have seen a DIY package at the store and are wondering whether you have the tools and skills to install a set of solar panels on your roof. Or perhaps you're interested in the technology but don't have the budget right now to invest in a professional installation. For whatever reason, many UK homeowners are considering how they can build their own solar energy system or install a manufactured system themselves.

In reality, this is a difficult and complicated process that is best left to the professionals in most cases. Why? Because in order for your investment to pay you back these solar energy products need to be working at peak rates and improper installation will affect that.

Basically Easy to Install

Solar panel systems are essentially easy to install, especially surface mounted systems. But working on a roof can get tricky and various safety procedures must be followed during this process. In order to prevent falls and to keep the installers safe, harnesses and fall arrest systems are put into place. Certain workers will be on the ground spotting while others work on the roof.

The actual placement of your panels is also of utmost importance and will play a major role in how much solar energy is actually captured. Besides being mainly south facing (although some systems can be installed in locations up to 90 degrees from dead south), the tilt, exposure to weather and line of sight are all important aspects.

Professional installers will have access to calculations that allow them to set your panels up at the optimum tilt or angle to the sun, capturing the most energy. They will also be able to assess how weather will affect the panels and whether a certain location will provide too much exposure to the wind - the most common weather issue with solar panels.

Dealing with Planning Permission

In most cases a standard sized system can be installed without needing to bother with planning permission. However, when a building is listed or located in a conservation area, the Local Building Control needs to be involved with the installation.

This is where the guidance and help of a professional installer is indispensable. They will know exactly how large of a system you can build (and there are limitations for panel systems in any location) and all of the conditions that must be met for the installation to be approved. Having them on your side will allow the project to move smoothly.

DIY installation is a possibility for basic standalone systems that are not going up on a listed building or within a conservation area. If there are complicated conditions anywhere on the property the expertise and services of a professional will be of immense value and help you to get the most out of your solar panels for the best return on investment.
About the Author

Installing your own
domestic solar panels
is relatively easy but many of the modern
solar panel quotes
can include professional fitting and installation to make sure they are safely attached to your home and fully operational.

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