The optimal angle for your solar panels 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. For even more precise angling, you would need to track the sun as it moves throughout the day on a minute-by-minute basis. This can be accomplished with an automated mechanical solar tracker, but unfortunately this is not very economical.

The sun reaches its peak at solar noon each day (exactly half way between sunrise and sunset) and this calculator shows the angle at that time of day. At solar noon, the irradiance from the sun is at its zenith and you can generate the most energy.

As an example, the sun is due south at solar noon in the northern hemisphere. To get the best performance out of your photovoltaic panels, you would face them due south at the optimum angle so that the panel is receiving as much sunlight as possible at this time.

The best angle for your solar project also depends on when you want to get the best out of your photovoltaic system. If you want the best performance during the summer months (when there is the most sunlight), you would angle your photovoltaic panels according to the height of the sun in the sky during these months.

If you have the ability to adjust your photovoltaic panels throughout the year, you will benefit from having the optimum performance from your solar system all of the time. Read More