Calculate the optimal tilt angle for solar panels based on latitude and season. Supports year-round, summer, and winter optimization modes. Pure front-end, data stays local.
📐 Input Parameters
📊 Results
📖 What Does This Calculator Do?
The Solar Panel Angle Calculator determines the optimal tilt angle for photovoltaic panels based on your latitude and the season you want to optimize for. It supports year-round fixed installation, summer, and winter optimization modes to help maximize solar energy output.
Key Features
- Optimal Tilt: Calculates the best panel angle for your latitude and season
- Seasonal Comparison: Shows summer and winter optimal angles simultaneously
- Efficiency Estimate: Estimates power generation improvement over flat mounting
- Azimuth Evaluation: Assesses efficiency loss from non-south-facing orientation
- Visualization: SVG diagram showing the panel tilt angle
Calculation Method
Year-round fixed optimal angle ≈ latitude (±2°). Summer optimal = latitude × 0.9 - 23.5° (min 0°). Winter optimal = latitude × 0.9 + 29° (max 90°). Equinox optimal = latitude - 2.5°. Each 15° deviation from due south reduces efficiency by approximately 1%.
How to Use
- Enter latitude: Input the latitude of your installation location (0-90°).
- Select season: Choose the optimization mode you need.
- Enter azimuth: Input the panel orientation (south=0°, east negative, west positive).
- View results: Get optimal angle, efficiency gain, and azimuth evaluation.
- Copy/Download: Save results for installation reference.
FAQ
How is the optimal solar panel tilt angle calculated?
For year-round fixed installation, the optimal angle approximately equals the local latitude. For summer, subtract about 15°; for winter, add about 15°.
How does azimuth affect efficiency?
South-facing panels (Northern Hemisphere) produce the most energy. Each 15° deviation from south reduces efficiency by ~1%; a 45° deviation causes ~5-8% loss.
Fixed vs. adjustable mounting?
Fixed mounts use the latitude angle (cost-effective). Adjustable mounts allow seasonal changes (lower in summer, higher in winter), yielding 5-10% more energy.