Solar panel tilt

Solar panel tilt, is the angle at which the photovoltaic (solar) panels are positioned relative to the horizon. This parameter is a key factor in the efficiency and performance of a PV system because it affects the amount of solar energy that the panels can capture.

The optimum tilt of a solar panel depends on the geographical location of the installation site and the time of year. In general, in some areas the optimum tilt is approximately equal to the latitude of the installation site, which means that the panel should be angled at an angle equal to the latitude. For example, if you are at 45° latitude, the ideal tilt of the panel should be approximately 45 degrees to the horizon.

However, there are other factors that can influence the optimal tilt of a panel, such as the purpose of the installation (for example, solar panels on the roofs of buildings have a different tilt than solar farms on the ground) and the local climatic conditions. Therefore, an accurate calculation or simulation may need to be performed to determine the best solar panel tilt for a specific location in order to maximise solar energy harvesting and PV system performance.