On any system that uses solar panels, it is important to aim and tilt the panels for optimal operation properly.
Trailer Systems #
In the case of a trailer, you can set the tilt angle every time you deploy the trailer, so you can pick the optimal angle for the time of year.
- You can use a calculator like Solar Panel Tilt Angle Calculator to help find the correct angle.
Fixed Systems #
In the case of a fixed installation, like on a utility pole, you will use the winter tilt angle. The rule of thumb for this is to take the latitude of the location and add 15. The resulting number is the panel angle from horizontal.
- You can find the latitude by clicking/tapping the map on google maps:
In this example, 27.8 + 15 = 43 degrees from horizontal (always round to nearest whole number)
- Use angle finder app on your phone to set angle Bubble Level Protractor Clinometer App
Tilt Angle Example #
The example below shows the impact of Solar Radiation on a Tilted Surface.
- Red line is “optimal” if panel tilt angle was adjusted every day
- Blue line is if the panel were lying flat
- Green line is performance at the selected tilt angle.
The best result would be a flat, horizontal line, representing a constant solar output all year, which is not possible with a fixed-mounted panel.
