Arizona is well known as one of the sunniest parts of the country. As such, the state enjoys prime conditions for solar energy. But even though Arizona residents enjoy year-round sunshine, installing your solar panels at the wrong angle can impact their efficiency and reduce the amount of energy they produce.
So what is the best angle for solar panels in Arizona?
In this article, we will explain orientation affects solar panel efficiency and how Arizona residents can arrange their solar panels for maximum production.
Solar Panel Orientation in Arizona
Solar panel system orientation is simply the direction your panel faces: east, west, north, or south. This is one of the crucial factors that determine how much sunlight your solar panels will receive during the day.
Typical solar panel application doesn’t align with the earth’s magnetic poles. Instead, it follows the true direction. For instance, the true south faces the earth’s true axis rather than the South Pole.
For those living in Arizona, the proper solar panel orientation is facing true south. This offers the best orientation that allows the most exposure time to sunlight and produces an immense amount of electricity.
Solar Panel Angle in Arizona
Solar panel angle simply means the vertical tilt of solar panels. For instance, if your solar panel is perpendicular to the ground, it’d have a 90-degree angle tilt.
The proper tilt for your solar panels will vary depending on the geographic location and time of the year. In terms of location, the solar panel angle will increase the more you move away from the equator.
To determine the optimal solar panel angle in Arizona, you can search for the latitude of your zip code or home address. Generally, the perfect angle for your solar panel systems will be close to or equal to the latitude of your residential home.
Arizona is situated at a latitude of 33.57°. So, if you’re mounting your solar panels at a stationary angle, like on your roof, the most efficient tilt angle would range between 28° and 38°.
However, keep in mind that proper solar panel angle in Arizona will fluctuate significantly throughout the year due to various factors, as we will discuss below.
What Factors Affect the Optimum Solar Panel Angle?
Here are a few factors to consider when determining the perfect tilt for your solar array:
Existing Roof Design
Every property’s roof is designed differently, thus the importance of considering the unique roof tilt angle of your home before installing solar panels.
A steep roof, for example, may result in a less than optimal tilt angle for traditional racking systems. In Arizona, homeowners should lay their solar panels flat against the roof depending on how steep the roof is.
Mounting solar panels on a low-angle roof can also be difficult as it may need specialized racking, especially if you want to tilt your panels at the optimal angle. Flush-mounting your panels on such roofs will mean less power production, which will, in turn, lead to reduced solar savings.
Season
Due to the sun’s position, the time of year can determine how effective your solar system will be.
For instance, during winter in Arizona, the sun is usually lower to the horizon. So, it will be hard for your panels to capture sun rays and create energy.
Fortunately, installing your solar panels at a much steeper angle than the latitude of your home address (about 60°) can help counteract winter season production dips. You’ll also want to ensure your system is installed at an angle that allows snow to slide off easily.
Contact Your Local Experts Today!
Are you ready to kick-start your green energy journey? Solar Optimum has got you covered. We have the skills and experience to install solar panels for you. Don’t worry about which angle will work best. We’ll guide you through the whole procedure to help you benefit the most from your solar systems.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our certified experts.
