Best angle for solar panels
Choosing the best angle for solar panels is important for ensuring you’re maximising their output and lowering your bills. To calculate the perfect angle for your panels, there are several factors you must consider.
Every home and roof is different which means there’s no one size fits all answer for finding the right gradient for your angles. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the ideal angle for your panels, as well as addressing some other common problems which may arise when considering the placement of solar panels on your home.
Why is the angle of solar panels important?
The angle of your solar panels has a direct impact on the amount of sunlight that hits them each day, and therefore the amount of electricity generated. Solar panels should be angled to ensure that the rays hit the panels at a perpendicular angle, resulting in the maximum amount of sunlight reaching the solar cells.
The angle of your solar panels also allows you to maximise the solar insolation in your region. Solar insolation refers to the amount of solar energy emitted from the sun in a certain area at a certain time.
Locations in lower latitudes are more likely to receive higher amounts of solar insolation, which means that the angle of your solar panel will impact the amount of energy your panel captures. The United Kingdom is a region with a higher latitude, therefore, it is important to consider the angle of your panels.
If you choose to install your solar system with Wickes Solar, our team will ensure your solar panels are angled correctly to ensure you’re getting the best from your solar system - book an appointment to speak to one of our solar consultants today to get started.
How does shading impact the output of solar panels?
Another reason why the angle of your solar panels is important is to avoid the negative effects of shading. As a result of obstructions preventing optimal coverage, shading can reduce the output of solar panels. However, temporary shading such as cloud coverage or fallen debris is unlikely to have any long-term impacts on the performance of your panels. Check out our guide on cleaning your solar panels to find out how to keep them clear of obstructions.
On the other hand, static shading from buildings, trees, or other structures is likely to reduce the energy output of solar panels. This means that adjusting the angle of solar panels to account for shading before installation is vital for ensuring that as little of each panel is covered by shade as possible.
Do solar panels have to be angled?
While you can place solar panels flat on your roof, this will impact the amount of energy generated by your panels since they will be directly exposed to less solar rays throughout the day. If your roof is flat, you should use a solar panel frame to adjust the angle of your panels to maximise output.
How does the direction of solar panels impact output?
The ideal direction your solar panels should be facing will depend on your location in the world. In the northern hemisphere, solar panels should face south to maximise their output. This direction allows for the longest duration of prolonged sunlight throughout the day, generating more electricity.
While you can place your solar panels on the north-facing side of your roof, their output will be drastically reduced. If you’re unable to place your solar panels on the south side of your roof, east-facing panels will still generate ample power in the morning, and west-facing panels will be effective later in the day.
How to calculate the optimal solar panel angle
The precise angle at which your solar panels need to be to generate the most electricity will vary depending on your location and the time of year. However, to easily calculate the optimal angle for your solar panels, simply add 15 degrees to your latitude during the winter and subtract 15 degrees from your latitude during the summer.
While this may sound complex, it’s straightforward. For example, if you live in London, the latitude is 51 degrees. This would mean that the optimal angle would be approximately 66 degrees in winter and 36 degrees in summer, with the original latitude representing an effective tilt for spring and autumn.
These days, it’s even easier to calculate the ideal angle for your solar panels as more advanced tracking of solar panel systems can follow the sun throughout the day, as well as automatically adjust as seasons change. Compared to fixed solar panels, tracking systems will capture significantly more sunlight; however, they come with a higher initial price tag, potentially offsetting any potential gains from the increased sun exposure and electricity generation.
Does the optimal solar panel angle change depending on time of year?
The optimal solar panel angle will change as the year goes on. The best angle for winter months will be higher than in summer months to capture the low-angled sun. In the UK, the optimal angle for winter is on average around 69 degrees but as the climate gets warmer, this angle will decrease with the average optimal angle sitting at 39 degrees in summer.
Making these seasonal adjustments to your solar panels is very important when maximising the output of your solar panels, increasing sun coverage throughout the day and increasing electrical output.
Is the optimal angle for solar panels different around the world?
The perfect angle for solar panels is determined by the distance between your home and the equator. This means that for countries very close to the equator such as Ecuador, the optimal angle for a solar panel would be very close to zero degrees, with the panel laid completely flat. In contrast, these same panels in London would have to be placed at an angle of between 34 to 66 degrees for optimal sun coverage.
Even in the different regions of the UK, the optimal angle for solar panels will change. This is due to each region having a slightly different latitude. Before adjusting your solar panels, you should check your latitude to ensure that you’re maximising the amount of electricity generated by your solar panels.
How to angle a solar panel on a wall
When fitting solar panels to a wall, you must account for the fact that walls are shaded for large proportions of the day, reducing the effectiveness of your solar panels. While you can add more panels or adjust the angle to maximise exposure, they’re still less likely to be exposed to as much sunlight as roof-mounted panels.
How to angle a solar panel on a flat roof
If you have a flat roof, you can still install solar panels on your building. However, you will have to install sloping brackets to make sure that the solar panels are at the right angle. For flat roofs, the lack of any preexisting slope means that the panels can be adjusted to the optimal angle for maximum efficiency without accounting for the initial gradient of the roof.
Solar panels are a great way to power your home or business, allowing you to reduce your carbon footprint and use renewable energy. The team at Wickes Solar are always on hand to provide expert advice and support on everything from finance options to hassle-free quotes, or to help you find the perfect angle for your solar setup.
