It turns out that you can do better than this about 4 better.
Optimal angle for solar panels in san diego.
As a general rule of thumb keep in mind that the panels need to be more vertical during winter to face the lower sun directly and more tilted towards the ground during summer to face the higher sun.
Essentially the closer a solar panel is located to the equator the more the panel should be pointing straight up.
The next question is at what angle from horizontal should the panels be tilted.
A general rule for optimal annual energy production is to set the solar panel tilt angle equal to the geographical latitude.
29 23 98 33 san diego calif.
For a latitude up to 25 take your latitude and multiply it by 0 87.
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.
This is because the sun is always in the southern half of the sky in the northern hemisphere.
However if the panels are turned at an angle greater than 45 compared to true south production begins to decrease significantly.
For the best results solar panels should be oriented towards the south.
Latitude in los angeles.
For example if the location of the solar array is at 50 o latitude the optimal tilt angle is also 50 o.
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.
Here are some different latitude numbers for cities in the state of california.
For a latitude over 50 the most ideal angle will end up being approximately 45 degrees.
Latitude in san diego.
In order to figure out what the best angle to tilt your solar panels you must first figure out your latitude.
Calculating the ideal angle for your solar panels is not that difficult.
32 42 117 10.
It turns out that you can do better than this about 4 better.
For a latitude between 25 to 50 take your latitude multiply by 0 87 after that you will add 3 1 degrees.
The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19.
While the angle of your solar panels is important a more important factor in your energy production is going to be the direction your panels face.
Calculating the best solar angle for california.
Latitude in san francisco.
For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49.
The solar radiation that the panels receive is almost the same.
It just depends on where you live.
At 90 from true south therefore east and west production can drop to 30.
