Finding the right angle for your new solar panel setup should be easy, at least, if you live in a perfectly average home, it should. The usual rule of thumb is that your installation angle should be about the same as the latitude your house is located at. For people in the United States, that usually means between 30 and 45 degrees. It’s pretty common for the actual ideal angle to be a bit off from the estimate, however.
What Factors Affect Placement
The usual rule of thumb about installation assumes that your home will get direct exposure to the sun from a predictable overhead angle, but the further north you live, the more the angle of the sun changes with the season. That means when you install solar panels Dallas sunlight will be very close to the predicted strength at the estimated angle, but a home in a town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula might want to set up a steeper angle to capture sunlight more effectively on long winter days.
Your home’s location relative to shade from trees and tall buildings can also have a profound effect on the ideal placement. This can affect not only the best installation angle, but also the best location on your property for a solar panel array. Direct sunlight provides a lot more power than indirect light, so the professionals you find by searching for solar companies near me will do a thorough examination of the options to calculate your top choices.
How the Right Angle Is Determined
The reason the angle is important is because it aligns the solar panel with the direction of the sun’s light. This is also why latitude matters, but to get the best angle at all times, you need to be able to change it from season to season. The latitude roughly matches the ideal angle for your installation in spring and fall, but winter and summer could change it considerably.
Most home installation guides recommend you add 15 degrees in winter and subtract 15 degrees in summer to adjust your panels to the changes in the sun’s position. The truth is, that is still just another rule of thumb. The actual calculation requires patience and an equation designed to take the seasons into account. Since many solar panel installations are set at fixed angles, that includes calculating the best compromise position to maximize your year-round power production.
Find Placement Specialists for Your Home Solar Panels
Installing a home solar system can be a complicated task, especially if you are investing in optimizing your ability to produce your own power. Usually, the best way to make sure you generate as much power as possible is to invest in professional solar panel installation Dallas. That way, you know you have everything covered, from the most efficient panels and storage options to the best location and angle of installation. Start researching your installation options today to find professionals who can bring their skills to your project on your schedule.
