Optimum Solar Panel Pitch

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.

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. 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. However the panels can be installed anywhere between 10 to 35 deg with negligible efficiency loss. 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.

The orientation of the panels and the angle they are tilted will have a greater effect on annual energy production. Most new zealand homes have a roof pitch of 20 to 30 which is considered optimum for maximizing solar power generation. 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. 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.

This solar angle calculator tells you the optimum angle to get the best out of your system. There are several factors in your control when it comes to finding the ideal pitch for your solar panels. Overall the angle of your rooftop has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your roof faces. So what percentage of solar energy do you lose from not having panels mounted at the optimum angle.

For example the latitude of los angeles california is 34 degrees so the tilt of your solar panels would be 34 degrees. Most roofs have an inclination of 30 to 40 degrees. 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. 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.

Solar contractors recommend using the latitude of your home s location as the degree of tilt. 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. At this level the solar panel can lie flat on the roof and get enough sunlight to produce enough electricity. Well it depends based on the orientation and angle of the panels.

Most australian homes have a roof pitch of 20 to 30 which is considered optimum for maximizing solar power generation. However pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations. This particular angle generated the most energy from the test solar panels on a year round basis both with and without snow clearing.