Solar energy continues to advance as a clean and efficient power source at a blistering rate, and understanding the factors that contribute to solar panel performance becomes critical. One of the overlooked yet important aspects of solar panel installation is its tilt angle. The angle at which solar panels are placed determines factors such as sunlight absorption, energy consumption and maintenance efforts. In this blog, we’ll explain how the correct tilt angle during solar installation can be a decisive factor in maximising solar energy efficiency and output.
Maximising Solar Exposure: How Tilt Angle Affects Sunlight Absorption throughout the Day
Solar panels convert sunlight into energy but how much energy is converted depends upon the amount of sunlight throughout the day. If the panels are flat or not tilted appropriately, it can miss out on absorbing significant portions of sunlight. Solar consultants at VEMC have emphasised the importance of the importance of optimising the tilt angle to ensure that panels capture the maximum amount of sunlight during the day.
For an ideal tilt angle, position the solar panels directly towards the sun’s rays for the majority of daylight hours, thereby increasing the energy collected and stored.
Seasonal Adjustments: Importance of Adjusting Tilt Angle for Different Seasons
The sun’s position change throughout the day and throughout the year. Hence, adjusting the tilt angle accordingly can affect the solar energy production. For instance, in summer, the sun is higher in the sky, requiring a lower tilt angle. While, in winters, the sun is relatively low in the sky, requiring a higher lilt angle, i.e., the solar panels to be steeper to capture more sunlight.
Geographical Considerations: How Latitude Influences Optimal Tilt Angle
Another critical consideration during solar installation is the geographical aspect. The optimal tilt angle varies according to the latitude and the site; hence, one-size-fits-all won’t work for solar panels. The closer you are to the equator, the lower the tilt angle should be, as the sun is nearly overhead most of the year. In contrast, if you’re located farther from the equator, a steeper tilt is required to align the panels with the sun’s lower trajectory.
Impact on Energy Output: Correlation between Tilt Angle and Overall Energy Production
Solar panel installation experts at VEMC suggest that getting the right tilt angle during initial setup holds the key to higher energy output. Energy efficiency can decrease by 0.54% indoors and 0.76% outdoors when the tilt angle is increased from 0 degrees to 15 degrees.
Businesses and homeowners can make the most of solar panel installation by understanding the correlation between tilt angle and overall energy output.
Minimising Dirt Accumulation: How Proper Tilt Reduces Dirt Buildup and Maintenance
Besides high energy output, tilt angle also plays an important role in minimising dirt accumulation. An improperly angled tilt angle is likely to collect more dirt, leaves and debris which significantly impacts sola panel efficiency. However, with correctly installed solar panels at the right tilt angle, natural elements like rain can wash away the dirt, reducing the maintenance cost. Moreover, solar consultants often recommend steeper angles in areas with heavy rainfall or dust, as it facilitates better cleaning and reduces maintenance efforts.
Practical Guidelines: Recommended Tilt Angles for Various Regions and Applications
When it comes to determining the ideal tilt angle for your solar installation, the key factor is your geographic location.
- Equatorial regions (low latitudes): A tilt angle of 10-20 degrees can be effective for capturing sunlight year-round in areas near the equator, where the sunrays are more directly overhead.
- Temperate regions (middle latitudes): A tilt angle of 30-40 degrees could work well in these regions, as it maximises exposure to the sun, which travels lower in the sky compared to equatorial zones.
- High-latitude regions: A steeper tilt of 45-60 degrees can be quite beneficial in high-latitude areas where the sun remains lower on the horizon throughout the year. These angles help capture the lower-angled sunlight more efficiently during the shorter days of winter.
VEMC has been a leader in solar energy space for over two decades now. For expert advice on the best tilt angle and solar installation practices, feel free to connect with us on +91 98199 07445 or 022 43436655, or via email at marketing@vemc.co.in.