Capturing solar energy is more than simply placing some panels along a roof while following the angle of that roof and then just walking away. Angles and tilts are essential for garnering the most energy available from your solar panels.
So, when you think about it, it makes sense that you can gain more solar energy by changing the angle by season to capture more sunlight to convert it into energy. The amount of angle will vary by location. The best angle during the onset of fall in Tampa, Florida will differ from what would be best in Northern California during those same months.
Orientation of Your Solar Panels
Across the US and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels should be oriented to face the south, whenever possible. The best and most proficient sunlight when north of the equator comes from the south and vice versa with sunlight coming from the north to the Southern Hemisphere.
Homes or businesses with solar panels facing south will therefore provide the most solar energy. If solar panels can only be installed facing east or west, they will generate about 20 percent less energy than when heading directly to the south.
Tilt and Angle Changes by Seasons
As with direction, the amount of tilt while setting up solar paneling should also be aimed by location. In southern states such as Florida, the sun sits higher in the sky than in northern states which needs less tilt. Whereas, in northern states, solar panels require a higher tilt to capture a lower sitting sun.
To understand the prime angle for solar panels on your business or home, you can use the latitude of your address or zip code by looking it up or having someone experienced in the field do it for you. Your best angle is roughly equal to the latitude of your location during fall or spring.
But because during winter the sun sits lower on the horizon, the angle should be increased by about 15 percent to produce more energy. During the summer, when the sun is at its highest, the angle of solar panels should be decreased by about 15 percent to maximize your solar efficiency.
Varying Roof Designs can Impact Installation Angles Requiring Adaptation for Solar Paneling
While there are solar panels that do allow for adjustment of angle and tilt, some rooftop solar panels may only be mounted in a fixed fashion due to the design of a roof and thus may limit the ability to change angles with the season. But fixed-angle solar panels can still provide a wealth of solar energy and installation angle, and tilt should be pertinent to your location. When you contact Solar Optimum for a consultation, our team will examine your roof and offer you the best solar panel installation options based on your roof and location.
Seeking the Assistance of Solar Professionals
Experienced solar experts will offer you the best options for solar paneling mounted on your roof by location while helping you meet your needs for solar energy.
Solar Optimum will be able to tell you if your rooftop meets the requirements for solar paneling that allows for angle alterations by season. If so, once we install your solar panels, we can provide those angle changes for you by season along with routine maintenance to help you support optimum efficiency.
Call Solar Optimum to discuss your needs today!
