How to Get the Best Angle for Solar Panel by Zip Code?

Solar panels are a great source of renewable energy, but their efficiency is highly dependent on the angle at which they are installed. The solar panel angle determines how effectively it captures sunlight and convert it into electricity. In this article, we will explore the secrets of finding optimal solar panel angle based on your zip code. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your solar energy system as we dive into the importance of solar panel angles and their impact on your renewable energy generation.

What is Solar Panel Angle and Why Does it Matter?

The solar panel angle pertains to the inclination or tilt at which solar panels are mounted in relation to the horizontal plane. It is a critical factor in enhancing the performance and efficiency of solar energy systems. But why does it matter?

The position of the sun changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons. By adjusting the solar panel tilt, it is possible to align them to receive sunlight as close to perpendicular (90 degrees) as possible. When the sunlight hits the panels at an optimal angle, it maximizes the energy absorption and conversion by the solar cells.

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Angle

Now that you understand the basics of solar panel angles, it’s time to explore the factors that influence the optimum angle for solar panels. Several key elements come into play when determining the best tilt, Understanding these factors is essential for maximizing the energy output of your solar system.

Latitude

The geographic location plays a crucial role in determining the proper angle for solar panels. The latitude of a place helps determine the average position of the sun throughout the year. Adjusting the angle based on latitude ensures better alignment with the sun's path and maximizes solar exposure. For most homeowners in the United States, the optimal solar panel tilt installations is typically near or equivalent to the latitude of their property. This is especially true for south-facing roofs, where the recommended angle falls within the range of 30 to 45 degrees.

Seasonal Variations

The angle of the sun changes throughout the year due to the Earth's axial tilt. To capture the most sunlight and make the most of the peak sun hours throughout the year solar panels should be angled to account for these seasonal variations. In summer, a shallower angle helps compensate for the higher sun position, while a steeper angle in winter helps capture more sunlight during lower sun positions.

The Design of the Roof

The roof's design and structure also influence the optimal solar panel angle. Flat roofs may require racking systems or tilting brackets to achieve the desired angle, while pitched roofs may have different tilt options based on their slope. For instance, the best roof pitch for solar panels typically ranges between 30 to 35 degrees, which aligns well with maximizing sunlight exposure and improving energy efficiency.

Why Can You Optimize Solar Panel Angle by Location?

Optimizing the solar panel angle by location (such as zip code) refers to the practice of determining the most suitable solar panel angle by location of the installation. While the zip code that represents the location itself may not directly dictate the optimal angle, it serves as a convenient way to identify the latitude and longitude coordinates of the specific location. Additionally, understanding peak sun hours by zip code allows homeowners to further fine-tune their solar panel systems for maximum efficiency.

As we mentioned earlier, latitude plays a significant role in determining the angle at which solar panels should be tilted. Different latitudes experience varying angles of sunlight throughout the year due to the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun. By using the zip code or the associated coordinates, it becomes possible to derive the latitude of the installation site.

Once the latitude is known, solar panel angle calculators or software tools can be used to determine the ideal angle for solar panels for maximum energy production. These tools take into account factors such as the sun angle or position throughout the year, seasonal variations, and the specific solar panel technology being used.

By optimizing the PV panel angle based on the latitude of the installation site, it is possible to maximize the amount of sunlight captured by the panels and therefore increase the overall energy output. This approach helps ensure that solar panels operate at their highest efficiency and generate the most electricity possible.

How to Calculate Solar Panel Angle Optimization by Zip Code?

To help you get a clearer picture of optimal solar panel angle calculation by zip code, let’s walk through a few simple rules of thumb: 

• For year-round performance, tilt your panels at an angle equal to your latitude.
• For summer performance, tilt your panels at an angle equal to your latitude minus 15°.
• For winter performance, tilt your panels at an angle equal to your latitude plus 15°.

For example, if your zip code is 10001 (New York City, NY), your latitude is about 41°. Using these rules of thumb, you get:

• Best year-round PV panel angle: 41°
• Best summer PV panel angle: 26°
• Best winter PV panel angle: 56°

However, these rules of thumb are based on average sun positions and do not account for variations due to longitude, time zone, daylight saving time, local weather conditions, etc. So please use a solar panel angle by zip code calculator if you want a more accurate result.

Solar Panel Angle Optimization in Different Zip Codes (Main Cities in the US)

To give you a practical reference, here’s a breakdown of the optimum angle for solar panels for several major cities across the United States, based on their zip codes:

The proper solar panel angle may vary by 0.1° to 0.2° depending on the specific location within the city. The values provided are approximate and intended as a general guide for optimal solar panel positioning.

Find the Optimal Solar Panel Angle with Solar Trackers

Solar trackers are devices mainly used in large gound-mounted commercial solar systems to optimize the position of solar panels to track the sun's movement throughout the day. Anker's proprietary Suncast technology as used on our portable Anker 625 solar panel has the same point in adjusting the solar panel properly to capture direct sunlight for maximum charge. These technologies offer several functions and benefits for solar panel systems:

1. Enhanced Energy Production: Solar trackers enhance energy production by maximizing the amount of sunlight panels receive, especially during morning and evening hours, ensuring improved system efficiency and increased electricity generation.
2. Increased Return on Investment: Solar trackers also provide a higher return on investment (ROI) by maximizing energy output, leading to shorter payback periods and increased financial returns.
3. Adaptation to Seasonal Variations: Solar trackers adapt to seasonal variations in the sun's position, ensuring optimal sunlight capture throughout the year.
4. Additional Features: They offer installation flexibility, and maintenance benefits.

Additional Yet Important: Solar Panel Angle vs. Direction

When installing solar panels, their orientation, also known as azimuth, is the most crucial factor to consider. In the Northern Hemisphere, panels facing the true south tend to generate the highest energy output, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the true north is the best orientation for solar panels. In the U.S., aligning panels south maximizes sunlight exposure.

While the angle of the panels, particularly in relation to the sun's angle, does influence energy production, orientation plays a larger role. Panels facing the wrong direction will receive insufficient sunlight, drastically reducing their electricity output. Even if the angle isn't perfect, a well-oriented panel will still produce more energy than a poorly oriented panel with an ideal angle. Therefore, ensuring your solar panel placement are correctly oriented toward the sun should be your top priority for maximizing efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right solar panel angle by zip code is a critical step in optimizing the performance of your solar energy system. By considering factors such as latitude, climate, and sun path, you can determine the ideal angle that allows your panels to capture the most sunlight throughout the year. With the best solar panel angle, you can maximize your energy production, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy.

FAQ

Is the morning sun or afternoon sun better for solar panels?

The morning sun is generally better for solar panels in terms of optimum energy production. When solar panels are positioned correctly, facing the right solar panel direction and angle, the morning sunlight tends to be more intense and strikes the panels at a more direct angle. This results in increased energy absorption and higher efficiency. Additionally, the lower temperatures during the morning hours can also contribute to improved panel performance. However, the actual energy production of solar panels can be influenced by various factors, and the specific circumstances of each installation should be considered for accurate assessment.

How efficient are solar panels at different angles?

Solar panels are most efficient when they are facing south at a tilt angle of 30°- 45°, which allows for optimal electricity production. However, even if the solar panel tilt angle is lowered to as little as 5°, the solar panel angle efficiency loss is around 10 percent. This suggests that solar panels can still maintain relatively high-efficiency levels even at lower tilt angles, allowing for effective energy generation even with less than the ideal tilt.

What roof pitch is best for solar panels?

The ideal roof pitch for solar panels is typically between 30° and 35°, depending on your location. This range allows for maximum sunlight exposure and energy efficiency. However, the best pitch can vary based on your latitude and local climate.

What is the best orientation for solar panels?

The best orientation for solar panels in the Northern Hemisphere is south-facing, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s north-facing. This positioning ensures the panels receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, maximizing energy production.