Angle & Direction for Solar Panels

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Last Updated on 13th September 2024

Best Angle & Direction For Solar Panels

The positioning of solar panels is a crucial factor that can significantly impact their energy output and overall efficiency. While qualified installers will ensure your panels are positioned optimally, it's important for homeowners to understand what is meant by the angle and orientation of solar panels and why they are important.

In this article, we'll also look at how to calculate the optimal angle as well as how seasonality will impact panel performance.

Ultimately, we hope to help you can make informed decisions about your solar installation and set realistic expectations for energy production.


What Is Solar Panel Angle And Direction?

What is meant by 'solar panel angle?' ☀️

The 'solar panel angle' refers to the tilt angle of the panels relative to the ground which affects how much sunlight they receive. An optimal angle maximises energy output by ensuring the panels are positioned to capture the most direct sunlight throughout the year.

What is meant by 'solar panel direction?' 🧭

'Solar panel direction' refers to the orientation of solar panels specifically the cardinal direction at which they are positioned to face the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, the optimal direction is typically true south allowing panels to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.


What Is The Best Angle For Solar Panels?

The best angle for solar panels in the UK typically falls between 30 to 40 degrees from horizontal. This range optimises the panels' ability to capture sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.

The specific ideal angle can vary slightly depending on the geographical location within the UK. For instance, in London and South East England, the optimal year-round angle is around 35.9 degrees, while in Scotland, it's closer to 37.8 degrees. This tilt allows solar panels to maximise energy production by ensuring they receive the most direct sunlight possible given the UK's latitude and typical weather patterns.

However, it's worth noting that the optimal angle can change seasonally with a lower angle of about 20 degrees being more effective in summer and a steeper angle of around 50 degrees working better in winter. For most residential installations, though, the roof's existing pitch often determines the panel angle and the 30 to 40-degree range provides a good compromise for year-round efficiency.


Why Is The Angle And Direction Of Solar Panels Important?

The angle and direction of solar panels is crucial for maximising energy production and overall system efficiency. Proper angling and orientation ensure that panels capture the maximum amount of direct sunlight throughout the day and year which significantly impacts their performance.

One of the most important principles in solar panel positioning is that panels should face the equator - south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere. This directional orientation is vital because it allows the panels to receive sunlight for the longest possible duration each day as the sun's apparent motion is along an arc from east to west with its highest point towards the equator.

The equator-facing orientation is particularly important because it helps panels maintain consistent energy production across seasons. By facing the equator, panels are positioned to capture sunlight during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and most intense. This directional positioning also helps mitigate the effects of seasonal changes in the sun's path ensuring that panels receive optimal sunlight year-round.


How Seasons Impact The Ideal Angle For Solar Panels

Although we've already touched on seasonality, it's important to understand in a little more detail how seasons impact the ideal angle for solar panels. The optimum angle for solar panels varies throughout the year due to the changing position of the sun in the sky across seasons.

This seasonal variation significantly impacts the efficiency of solar energy production. In the UK, the sun's path is lower in the winter and higher in the summer, necessitating different panel angles for optimal performance. During the summer months, when the sun is higher in the sky, solar panels in the UK should ideally be set at a shallower angle of around 20 degrees to maximise exposure to the more directly overhead sunlight. Conversely, in winter, when the sun's path is lower, a steeper angle of around 50 degrees is recommended to capture the most sunlight possible from the lower-positioned sun.

These seasonal variations mean that the optimal angle for solar panels changes throughout the year. In theory, adjusting the panels' angle to match the sun's changing position would be ideal for maximising energy production year-round.

However, this approach is generally not cost-effective or practical for most homeowners. As a result, most residential solar installations in the UK opt for a fixed angle that provides a good compromise between summer and winter efficiency, typically around 30 to 40 degrees.


How To Calculate The Optimum Angle For Solar Panels

Calculating the optimum angle for solar panels in the UK involves considering your specific geographical location and the time of year. While precise calculations can be complex, a simple rule of thumb can provide a good estimate for most UK locations. The general guideline is to add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtract 15 degrees from your latitude during summer.

As already mentioned, while these seasonal adjustments can optimise energy production, we recommend setting your panels at a fixed angle year-round for ease and practicality.


What Is The Best Direction For Solar Panels To Face?

The ideal direction for solar panels to face depends primarily on your location in the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels should ideally face true south to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. This southern orientation allows the panels to receive direct sunlight for the longest duration which optimises energy production. In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite is true with north-facing panels being optimal.

While south-facing panels generally produce the most energy over the course of a day in the UK, other orientations can still be effective. East-facing panels will generate more electricity in the morning while west-facing panels will be more productive in the afternoon and evening.

However, north-facing panels, while generally not recommended, could still be an option due to advancements in solar panel technology and the potential for diffuse light capture. It is important to speak to a qualified, MCS-certified installer about your options, such as Glow Green.


How Does The Angle And Direction Impact Solar Production?

It's important to understand that even in less-than-ideal conditions, solar panels can still be effective. While your solar panel installer will strive to achieve the optimal angle and direction, typically aiming for a south-facing orientation with a tilt between 30-40 degrees, it's reassuring to know that deviations from this ideal setup don't necessarily result in drastic reductions in energy production.

A large portion of solar energy in the UK comes in the form of diffuse light, scattered by clouds and the atmosphere. This diffuse light is less dependent on the precise angle and direction of the panels meaning that even if your roof isn't perfectly oriented, your solar system can still generate electricity.

Also, the UK's often cloudy weather, while sometimes seen as a drawback, actually helps to distribute solar energy more evenly throughout the day. This characteristic further reduces the impact of less-than-perfect panel positioning.

So, while your installer will certainly aim for the best possible setup, it's comforting to know that the diffuse nature of UK sunlight provides a buffer against suboptimal panel placement.


Alternative Options To Rooftop Solar Panels

While traditional rooftop solar panels are the most common choice for residential solar energy systems, there are alternative options available that can be suitable for various situations and property types:

Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

Ground-mounted solar panels offer a versatile solution for those with ample land space or unsuitable roofs. These systems are installed on metal framing anchored to the ground allowing for optimal positioning and angle adjustment.

Advantages:

Considerations:

Flat Roof Solar Panels

For buildings with flat roofs, specialised mounting systems can be used to install solar panels at the optimal angle for energy generation.

Advantages:

  • Can be angled for optimal sun exposure

  • Often easier to install and maintain than sloped roof systems

Considerations:

  • Potential for water pooling if not properly installed

  • Requires a structurally sound roof to support the additional weight


Key Takeaways

In the UK, the optimal angle for solar panels typically ranges from 30 to 40 degrees with a south-facing orientation being ideal to capture the most sunlight throughout the day. However, even if panels are not perfectly angled or directed, homeowners can still achieve energy production due to the high levels of diffuse light present in the UK.

Ultimately, a qualified solar panel installer will ensure that your panels are positioned optimally, balancing efficiency with the practicalities of your specific installation site.


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Best Angle And Direction For Solar Panels FAQs

Should solar panels face south in the Northern Hemisphere?

Yes, in the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels should generally face south to maximise sun exposure throughout the day and year.


How does the angle of solar panels affect their efficiency?

The angle of solar panels significantly affects their efficiency by determining how much direct sunlight they receive - the optimal angle helps capture more sunlight and generate more electricity.


Can I adjust the angle of my solar panels seasonally?

Yes, you can adjust the angle of your solar panels seasonally to optimise energy production, although this is not practical for most homeowners and more common with ground-mounted systems than roof-mounted ones.


What if my roof doesn't face the ideal direction for solar panels?

If your roof doesn't face the ideal direction, you can still install solar panels but you may need to adjust the panel layout or consider alternative mounting options to maximise efficiency.


Can solar panels be installed vertically on walls?

Solar panels can be installed vertically on walls but this orientation is generally less efficient than angled roof or ground installations due to reduced sun exposure.