The best angle and orientation for solar panels in the uk the angle and orientation of your roof is a significant factor when considering installing solar panels.
Optimum solar panel angle uk.
In the uk the optimum roof pitch for solar panels is 30 to 40 degrees.
Providing the highest level of solar radiation.
The sun s rays are hitting the panel perpendicularly i e.
Solar panel orientation and elevation.
A photovoltaic solar panel will generate the most electricity when solar radiation hits it directly i e.
Well now that we know that the optimal direction is south we need to find the optimal tilt angle.
This is due to the fact that the angle of the sun is 50 to 60 degrees which when combined with a 30 to 40 degree roof pitch creates a 90 degree angle.
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.
So we ve established that there s a sweet spot for your solar panel orientation which is directly south and a sweet spot for elevation which is between 30º and 40º.
Placing panels flush against these types of roofs will mean less electricity production which will lead to reduced solar savings over time.
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.
Low angle roofs will also face obstacles when it comes to solar panel installation and may require specialized racking if you re looking to tilt them at the optimal angle.
To get the best out of your photovoltaic panels you need to angle them towards the sun.
The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location and this calculator shows the difference in sun.
In the above case example of a latitude of 34 the tilt angle will be 34 0 9 29 59 6.
For example if you are seeking to maximise solar generation during winter months be it for an off grid system or higher energy consumption levels you would ideally want to angle your panels at a greater tilt for maximum exposure to the low winter sun.
This solar angle calculator tells you the optimum angle to get the best out of your system.
First of all in the choice of the tilt angle for solar panels on a house roof we are bound to satisfy two basic needs.
As the sun appears to move across the sky from east to west through the day and it appears to move up and then down in the sky as well an optimum fixed mounting position must be found for a.
Optimum angle differs during winter months.
For example a solar panel placed flat onto a west facing wall will produce about half the amount of electricity compared to being placed at a 30 degree angle on a south facing roof.
The ideal angle for your solar panels can vary depending on your solar objectives.
If even one panel is shaded it will reduce the output of all your panels unless you invest in micro inverters or other optimizing devices.
