If you want to install a solar system in your home, you must know about every small thing about solar installation. This includes different factors such as the direction of the solar panels and also the tilt angle of the panels.
With these things, you also need to ensure that zero shadow on solar panels during the day hours. Everyone wants to use the maximum potential of solar panels. For this, the proper solar panel direction and angle are important to follow. Here are the tips to help you with this.
Why Is There So Much Concern About Solar Panel Direction and Angle?
Even if you understand the ideal solar panel direction, the best angle selection for a solar panel for installation is also important. There are so many options when choosing the angle and direction and solar panels.
The primary goal is to ensure that the angle of solar panels is almost perpendicular to the sun between 11 AM and 2 PM.
On average, the solar panels generate electricity between 9 A.M. and 4 P.M. The peak hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The sun’s path changes with the seasons. While a fixed south-facing orientation is generally optimal, slight adjustments can enhance performance. For instance, tilting panels slightly towards the west can increase energy production in the evening when demand is higher.
The optimal tilt may also change with seasons. In winter, a steeper angle can help capture lower sun positions, while a flatter angle may be more effective in summer when the sun is higher in the sky. This adaptability can lead to improved year-round performance.
What is the Best Solar Panel Orientation?
The optimal direction can vary based on geographic location. In some cases, east-west orientations may be beneficial, allowing for energy capture in both morning and evening hours, which can smooth out energy production and better match consumption patterns.
During peak hours, the panels produce the most electricity if they are perpendicular to the sun. A place in India will have the likelihood of receiving perpendicular sunlight only if lies below the Tropic of Cancer.
For example, the entire state of Odisha is below the Tropic of Cancer, therefore, a large section of it receives perpendicular sunlight throughout the summer season.
So if you live in Odisha, you can simply connect with a solar company in Odisha to install the solar system. They will ensure that the sun’s rays hit the solar panels perpendicularly. You will enjoy maximum solar electricity.
How to Determine the Best Solar Panel Angle and Direction in India
The tilt angle of solar panels is crucial for optimizing sunlight capture. A widely accepted guideline is to align the tilt angle with the geographical latitude of the installation site, plus or minus 15 degrees.
For example, in a location situated at 30 degrees latitude in the northern hemisphere, the panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 45 degrees towards the south in winter, and 15 degrees in summer.
India is located in the Northern Hemisphere in the earth. As a result, maximum sunlight hits the south-facing windows, walls and doors. Then, if your solar panels face south, the panels can generate electricity at their maximum efficiency.
But, one thing you need to remember is that in every location of our country; the same amount of sunlight cannot be received from the south. Therefore, the tilt angle of solar panels depends on the location of your state.
These concepts will be applicable irrespective of the purpose for which you use solar electricity. For example, in the fertiliser industry, a solar solution for fertiliser industry can reduce electricity bills by 70% to 80%.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways to note for better results:
- The best tilt angle for your solar panels installed in the Southern part of India is around 10 degrees.
- On the other hand, if your location is the situation in North India, the ideal angle of solar panels is more than 20 degrees. If you live in Uttar Pradesh, you will have to contact a vendor in the state for solar installation. The solar company in Uttar Pradesh will install the solar system as per the angle at which sunlight falls on your rooftop.
- In western India, latitude and longitude are important considerations for deciding the solar panel angle.
- If you live in Eastern India, then the angle at which sunlight falls on your rooftop will be different from the angle of incidence in northern and southern India. Suppose you live in West Bengal, then a solar company in West Bengal will calculate the latitude and longitude of your location and accordingly install the solar system.
These things are applicable for hybrid/off-grid and even for on-grid solar systems.
Important Note to Consider for Solar Panel Orientation
In north India, if you tilt the solar panels to 20 degrees, the panels do higher power generation, but there is a problem. When you increase the tilt angle from 10 to 20 degrees, the panels will face more wind pressure.
It increases the chances of damage. You can solve this problem by using strong mounting structures. But your installation cost may increase by 5% while the generation only increases by 2%. In this regard, you may also like to know how much power a solar panel generates.
On the other hand, if you have a poorly designed structure for even 20-degree wind pressure, it can put your solar investment at serious risk. Without proper support, it may lead to structures and panels uprooted, damaged, or even destroyed if there is a powerful wind flow or cyclone.
Outside India, there are also some guidelines you need to follow. The location, city, tilt angle, direction and other things also matter to get the maximum output.
It is important to know all these factors to generate maximum electricity from your solar panels. However, if you contact a professional installer for solar installation at home, they will follow all the things including solar panel direction and angle.
If you choose the best solar installers like Das Energie Private Limited, they will take care of all of these things to get the best ROI from your solar system. Also, your solar system installation will be completed with trusted and experienced DISCOM-empanelled solar system installers.
Milton Ferrara is a professional blogger and writer with an experience of half a decade. Known for his amazing take on conventional matters and his boldness for writing new fresh content, he has a strong presence on the web.