Arizona residents enjoy plenty of sunshine year-round, and it’s one of the best places in the country for solar. Still, no matter how ideal the conditions are, it’s useless if your panels aren’t facing the right direction to receive maximum sunlight.
So — what direction should your solar panels face in Arizona to maximize energy efficiency and production? We’ve created a quick guide to help you out.
Mount Solar Panels At An Angle
Solar panel orientation is essential for maximizing energy production, and the direction your panels face impacts how effectively they capture sunlight throughout the day. While aligning solar panels with the Earth’s magnetic poles might seem logical, the reality is slightly different. Instead, solar panel orientation is based on the “true” direction.
For instance, when we talk about “true north”, we’re referring to the direction facing the Earth’s true axis rather than the north pole. In Arizona, achieving the optimal solar panel orientation typically means facing “true south”. Southern-facing solar panels will receive the greatest amount of sunlight both throughout the day and throughout the year as the days vary in length.
Of course, if there are trees, buildings, chimneys, or other structures that limit your roof’s sun exposure on the Southern side, then the optimal direction for your solar panels may be West or East. A qualified solar installer can help you make this determination for your unique situation.
What Is The Optimal Solar Panel Placement for Maximum Output in Arizona?
To get the most energy from your solar panels, they need to face the sun just right. One crucial thing to consider is your latitude, which helps determine the perfect angle for your panels. This angle refers to how tilted your panels are from being straight up and down, with 90 degrees being perfectly straight.
The best tilt for your panels depends on where you live and the time of year. The angle should be a bit steeper in places further from the equator, like Arizona.
To determine the perfect solar panel angle in Arizona, you can search for your latitude based on your zip code or home address. Generally, the ideal angle for your solar panels will be close to your location’s latitude. In most parts of the United States, solar panels perform best when installed at an angle ranging from 30° to 45°.
The perfect angle for Arizona is typically around 33.57°, roughly the state’s latitude. So, if you’re mounting your solar panels at a fixed angle, like on your roof, the best range to aim for is anywhere between 28° and 38°.
High-Quality Solar Installation With Solar Optimum
Using solar as a renewable energy source can be very profitable, especially in a state like Arizona. If you’re a homeowner looking to boost property value and cut costs, installing residential solar panels could be the answer.
But adding solar panels to your home is no small task. You’ll need to decide how many panels you need, how much power each generates, their compatibility with your roof, and the system size to offset your utility usage.
At Solar Optimum, our experts are here to guide you through the whole process — from the consultation all the way to the final installation. Contact us today to get started with your solar journey!
