There s a simple rule of thumb for calculating the best tilt angle for fixed mount solar panels.
Solar panel angle mount.
However every place is different as you have to take seasons and the average position of the sun into account when installing one.
Photovoltaics produce power when the angle at which the sun s rays hit the panel surface the angle of incidence is small or when light strikes the panel as close to perpendicular as possible.
Most pole mounts are also adjustable.
Tilt the panels to your latitude plus 15.
However if the panels are turned at an angle greater than 45 compared to true south production begins to decrease significantly.
At 90 from true south therefore east and west production can drop to 30.
Tilt the panels to your latitude.
Tilt the panels to your latitude minus 15.
Tilt the panels to your latitude.
For a precise method use the second formula on this page to calculate tilt angle.
In order to collect energy more efficiently solar panels should be angled to face as close to the sun as possible.
If you are able to adjust the angle of your solar panels a few times per year here is the adjustment schedule we recommend.
Subtract 15 degrees from the latitude at your location during summer and add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter.
Pole mounts are the best solar panel mounts to use in heavy snow areas because the steep tilt angle helps shed snow.
The steep angle of pole mounts naturally aids snow removal as the weight of the snow causes it to naturally slide off the face of the panels.