Solar Panel Alignment Map

Find the best angle for optimizing solar collection during winter when solar energy is most scarce by multiplying your latitude by 0 89 and.

Solar panel alignment map.

Solar panels produce electricity when sunlight hits their surface and they produce the most energy when that sunlight is exactly perpendicular to the panel face. If you are using a compass to orient your panels you need to correct for the difference which varies from place to place. If you live in the northern hemisphere face them south. True north is not the same as magnetic north.

To find your latitude consult a map for your region. For best results your solar panels should face toward the equator. The optimum angle varies throughout the year depending on the seasons and your location. While you can use solar panel trackers to keep them at the optimum angle at all times the costs and complications involved aren t worth it in most cases.

If you live in the southern hemisphere face them north. This solar angle calculator tells you by location the optimum angle to get the best out of your system. To get the best out of your photovoltaic panels you need to angle them towards the sun. Ground mounted solar panels can even be placed on trackers which adjust the position of the panels throughout the year in order to maximize the amount of sunlight reaching them.

Solar panels should always face true south if you are in the northern hemisphere or true north if you are in the southern hemisphere.