Optimum Solar Panel Pitch

If you are trying to install solar panels on a steep roof it may not be possible to place panels at the optimal tilt with traditional racking systems.

Optimum solar panel pitch.

Generally if your roof pitch is anywhere between 10 15 either side of the latitude angle you will only lose between 1 1 5 of the maximum solar output possible at your location. Most new zealand homes have a roof pitch of 20 to 30 which is considered optimum for maximizing solar power generation. This particular angle generated the most energy from the test solar panels on a year round basis both with and without snow clearing. Well it depends based on the orientation and angle of the panels.

The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location and this calculator shows the difference in sun height on a month by month basis. In the spring summer and autumn the efficiency is lower 74 75 in spring autumn and 68 74 in summer because in these seasons the sun travels a larger area of the sky and a fixed panel can t capture as much of it. This solar angle calculator tells you the optimum angle to get the best out of your system. However the panels can be installed anywhere between 10 to 35 deg with negligible efficiency loss.

Solar contractors recommend using the latitude of your home s location as the degree of tilt. Most australian homes have a roof pitch of 20 to 30 which is considered optimum for maximizing solar power generation. Ideally a fixed roof mounted solar energy system should be at an angle that is equal to the latitude of the location where it is installed. Many roofs are going to have slopes between 30 and 40 degrees which means that solar panels can lie flush against the roof and produce enough electricity for attractive returns.

In winter a panel fixed at the winter angle will be relatively efficient capturing 81 to 88 percent of the energy compared to optimum tracking. Most roofs have an inclination of 30 to 40 degrees. Pitch perfect through a number of tests conducted by the solar energy society of alberta it was established that the ideal pitch to install solar panels was at latitude so 51 for calgary and 53 for edmonton. However the panels can be installed anywhere between 10 to 35 deg with negligible efficiency loss.

You will most likely be installing the solar panels on your roof which is why you have to take into account the roof pitch too. However pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations. The orientation of the panels and the angle they are tilted will have a greater effect on annual energy production. So what percentage of solar energy do you lose from not having panels mounted at the optimum angle.

Overall the angle of your rooftop has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your roof faces. There are several factors in your control when it comes to finding the ideal pitch for your solar panels. The orientation of the panels and the angle they are tilted will have a greater effect on annual energy production.