Ideally a fixed roof mounted solar energy system should be at an angle that is equal to the latitude of the location where it is installed.
Maximum roof pitch for solar panels.
As well as the orientation the angle at which the panels are pitched is important.
Between south west and south east.
With a panel therefore being approximately 1 44m2 in total to get 14 panels on a roof you need a space of about 20m2.
For example the latitude of los angeles california is 34 degrees so the tilt of your solar panels would be 34 degrees.
Solar panels can still absorb sunlight even when horizontal.
There are several factors in your control when it comes to finding the ideal pitch for your solar panels.
However solar panels which are more below 12º from horizontal won t be able to self clean and may become less effective as dirt builds up on them.
Fortunately the angle of your rooftop has a lower impact on solar panel production than the direction your roof faces.
Others say it s fine as long as you install the additional technologies.
Solar contractors recommend using the latitude of your home s location as the degree of tilt.
The ideal angle is about 30 degrees off the horizontal simply because this allows the panels to extract more from the sun in the morning and the evening whilst still making the most of the mid day sun.
You will most likely be installing the solar panels on your roof which is why you have to take into account the roof pitch too.
The best roof pitch for solar panels is between 30 40 but the angle of the roof can fall outside of this range and generate electricity effectively.
Pitch and solar pv.
If you are trying to install solar panels on a steep roof it may not be possible to place panels at the optimal tilt with traditional racking systems.
Many solar panel installers advise not to install on roofs more than 45º from south i e.
However pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations.
Most roofs have an inclination of 30 to 40 degrees.