The Best Direction and Angle for Solar Panels: Maximizing Energy Production

Solar energy has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its environmental benefits and potential cost savings. If you're considering making the switch to solar energy, you're probably wondering: "What direction should solar panels face?" and "How should solar panels be angled?" These are important questions to ensure optimal sunlight exposure and maximize energy production from your solar panels. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the best practices for positioning and angling your solar panels.

What Direction Should Solar Panels Face?

The ideal direction to face solar panels depends on your geographical location. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it's best to position the panels southward. Conversely, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, northward-facing panels are more ideal. This alignment allows your panels to capture the most sunlight throughout the day, resulting in better energy production.

It's crucial to consider any potential obstacles that may cast shadows on your panels, such as buildings, trees, or nearby hills. These obstructions can significantly impact the performance of your panels. To determine the best direction for your panels, we recommend seeking advice from experts or utilizing special tools that consider shading and the sun's path.

How Should Solar Panels Be Angled?

The angle, or tilt, of your solar panels also plays a significant role in maximizing energy capture. The recommended tilt angle depends on your location. As a general rule, setting the tilt angle equal to the latitude of your home is a good starting point. For example, if you reside in Houston, Texas, with a latitude of 29.7°, a tilt angle of 30° would be appropriate.

To provide further guidance, here are the recommended tilt angles for selected cities:

• Houston, Texas: 30°
• Portland, Oregon: 46°
• Kansas City: 39°
• Los Angeles: 34°
• Chicago, Illinois: 42°
• Charlotte, North Carolina: 41°
• Baltimore: 40°
• Atlanta: 34°
• New York City: 41°
• Salt Lake City: 41°

It's important to note that you can adjust the angle of your solar panels to optimize energy production during specific seasons. In winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, tilting your panels to your latitude plus 15° can help capture more sunlight. Conversely, during summer when the sun is higher, tilting your panels to your latitude minus 15° maximizes direct sunlight exposure. In spring and fall, a tilt angle equal to your latitude is generally suitable.

While the angle adjustment can enhance energy capture, it has a slightly less significant impact compared to the direction of the panels. Getting the direction right ensures that your panels receive sunlight for the longest period during the day—essential for generating more energy.

Panel Placement

At Tuesday Solar, we understand the importance of precise panel placement to maximize your solar energy production. That's why we utilize advanced software, powered by LIDAR technology. This software creates detailed, three-dimensional visualizations of your home and its surroundings. Our expert designers can accurately map out your roof's layout, taking into account factors such as shading, irradiance levels, fire-code setbacks, and even your aesthetic preferences.

We believe in involving you in the panel placement process. If you're curious about how our software precisely calculates these factors and would like to have input on your panel placement, check out our article "How did you decide the panel placement for my project? Can I have input on panel placement?" for more information.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and involving you in the decision-making process, we ensure that your solar panels are placed optimally, setting you up for maximum energy production and cost savings.

Conclusion: Optimizing Solar Panel Direction and Angle for Maximum Energy Production

Choosing the right direction and angle for your solar panels is crucial for maximizing energy production and reaping the benefits of solar energy. By aligning the panels in the appropriate direction based on your location and considering shading factors, you can ensure optimal sunlight exposure. Additionally, setting the tilt angle based on your latitude and adjusting it for different seasons further optimizes energy capture.

At Tuesday Solar, we take pride in demystifying solar energy and guiding customers through knowledgeable content. We ensure that selecting the best direction and angle for your solar panels is a seamless process, with our expert designers utilizing advanced technology for accurate placement. With Tuesday Solar, you can trust that you're making an informed decision towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Ready to embark on your solar energy journey? Contact Tuesday Solar today or visit our store to explore the possibilities of solar power and start saving on your energy bills. Together, let's power a greener tomorrow.

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