Solar Panel Alignment Map

Solar panels produce electricity when sunlight hits their surface and they produce the most energy when that sunlight is exactly perpendicular to the panel face.

Solar panel alignment map.

If you live in the southern hemisphere face them north. Therefore the best angle for your solar panels is the one that allows the panels to get the most direct perpendicular light. For best results your solar panels should face toward the equator. To find your latitude consult a map for your region.

To get the best out of your photovoltaic panels you need to angle them towards the sun. Solar panels should always face true south if you are in the northern hemisphere or true north if you are in the southern hemisphere. Find the best angle for optimizing solar collection during winter when solar energy is most scarce by multiplying your latitude by 0 89 and. The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location.

Solar panels on a shallow roof capture more sunlight during the summer season whereas solar panels on a steep roof will produce more power during the winter. If you live in the northern hemisphere face them south. True north is not the same as magnetic north. This solar angle calculator tells you by location the optimum angle to get the best out of your system.

While you can use solar panel trackers to keep them at the optimum angle at all times the costs and complications involved aren t worth it in most cases.