What is the best angle for solar panels?

The best angle for your solar panels, explained

The rule of thumb is that your solar panels should be tilted at an angle roughly equal to your latitude to optimize the amount of sunlight they receive throughout the day and the year.

A solar panel with a 90-degree tilt angle would be standing straight up (perpendicular to the ground). A solar panel with a zero-degree tilt would be lying flat on the ground.

For example, if you live in Houston, which has a latitude of 30 degrees north, then the ideal tilt angle for your solar panels would be approximately 30 degrees. (We explain how you can find your property’s latitude later in this article, but if you want to skip ahead, click here.)

The arguable problem with this rule is that it only provides a yearly average and doesn't account for changes in the sun's path across the sky at different times of the year. If you really want to maximize your solar panels’ efficiency, you would need to adjust the tilt angle almost constantly. (During the summer months, when the sun is higher in the sky, solar panels should be tilted less; during winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, panels should be tilted more.)

That’s usually not practical, though. While adjusting the tilt angle throughout the year could theoretically maximize output, in practice, most residential solar installations have fixed tilt angles due to the complexity and cost of adjustable mounts. In such cases, the panels are generally set at an angle that maximizes energy production throughout the year.

» LEARN: How many kWh does a solar panel produce?

What impacts the optimal angle for your solar panels?

If you really want to get in the weeds, the optimal angle for your solar panels can be affected by multiple factors, which we’ve broken down below.

Addressing these factors can get complicated, and it’s hard to definitively say whether they’re worth accounting for without looking at your property, which is why it's helpful to work with a knowledgeable solar installer who can assess your specific situation and provide appropriate advice.

Frank, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from California, told us: “I have been toying with going solar for several years. And I've got some large trees across the street. I've had multiple companies come out there. They put their monitoring equipment on the roof and said, ‘Well, because of the amount of shade, it's not going to work out all that great for you.’”

They continued: “That was a few years back. Then SunPower came. They got some kind of program that looks at shade, sun angle and orientation and said they believe it would be cost-effective. And was told there was a guarantee it would produce a certain amount of power. And if it didn’t, SunPower would either put up more panels or do something to remedy it. So on that basis, I moved forward.”

» MORE: Solar panel installation guide

How to find the best angle for your solar panels

Finding the best angle for your solar panels involves understanding your latitude and considering local factors like climate and shading. Here’s how you can discover your optimal tilt angle:

1. Find your latitude: Most GPS devices and many smartphone apps, like Google Maps, can provide your geographic coordinates, including your latitude. Exactly what you need to do to find your coordinates will vary from platform to platform, but right-clicking or holding down on a given location will often produce a set of numbers separated by a comma. The first number is your latitude. For example, ConsumerAffairs’ offices have a latitude of 36.15477 degrees north, so solar panels on our roof would need an angle of about 36 degrees.
2. (Optional) Adjust for the season: If you're planning to adjust the angle of your panels seasonally, which may not be feasible for all installations, you can use these estimates to account for the sun's varying path across the sky during different times of the year:
   • Summer: Set the tilt of your panels to equal your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees.
   • Spring and fall: Set the tilt of your panels to equal your latitude.
   • Winter: Set the tilt of your panels to equal your latitude plus 10 to 15 degrees.
3. Consider local factors: Think about how local weather patterns, shade from nearby obstacles and your roof's slope (if you're installing rooftop solar panels) might impact the amount of sunlight your solar panels receive. These factors can influence your optimal angle and might necessitate deviation from the latitude rule of thumb.
4. (Alternatively) Seek professional assistance: Professional solar installers can use tools like solar pathfinders and software simulations to conduct a detailed analysis of your property and provide advice for your specific situation.

Remember, while finding the best angle can help optimize solar energy production, solar panels are still effective within a range of angles. Other factors, like the size of your solar array and the efficiency of your panels, can also significantly impact your system's overall performance.

What’s more important: angle or orientation?

Both the angle and the orientation of your solar panels can affect the amount of sunlight they capture, but if you have to compromise on one of these factors due to limitations like roof design or nearby shading, it's usually better to prioritize orientation over tilt angle. That's because the sun's east-to-west motion each day has a bigger effect on solar energy production than its lower-in-the-sky position in winter versus summer. (In the U.S., solar panels should typically face south for maximum exposure to the sun.)

However, for a truly optimized solar installation, both factors need to be considered in tandem. A professional solar installer can provide advice that’s tailored to your specific circumstances, taking into account local factors like weather patterns, shading and municipal regulations.