Optimum Angle For Solar Panels In Australia

The next question is at what angle from horizontal should the panels be tilted.

Optimum angle for solar panels in australia.

So for my house in adelaide the ideal solar panel angle is 35 from horizontal. On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north. A minimum tilt of 10 is recommended to ensure self cleaning by rainfall. Most australian homes have a roof pitch of 20 to 30 which is considered optimum for maximizing solar power generation.

This means that for best results the roof pitch of your property should ideally be equal to the latitude angle with the panels mounted at the same angle as the roof. Blantyre is at 15 degrees south almost at the same latitude than darwin in australia. Placing panels flush against these types of roofs will mean less electricity production which will lead to reduced solar savings over time. The roof is tilted at about 15 degrees.

For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49. The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19. To get the best out of your photovoltaic panels you need to angle them towards the sun. Why is the perfect solar panel angle simply your latitude.

However the panels can be installed anywhere between 10 to 35 deg with negligible efficiency loss. We are considering to install solar panels on the north and south facing side of the roof. It s a common belief that panel tilt from horizontal should equal a location s latitude but this is not quite correct. The ideal angle for solar panels in australia is usually equal to the latitude angle of the location of the property.

The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location and this calculator shows the difference in sun. In 7 of australia s 8 capitals the best angle is at least 3 degrees less than the latitude. The ideal angle for your solar panels to maximize the power produced over the whole year is simply the latitude of your location. The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer.

It turns out that you can do better than this about 4 better. There is no shading from either side. This article is about the best angle to tilt solar panels for the maximum possible energy yield over a year. Books and articles on solar energy often give the advice that the tilt should be equal to your latitude plus 15 degrees in winter or minus 15 degrees in summer.