Solar panels need to be installed at a specific angle to ensure the panels will produce the maximum energy when the sun is directly perpendicular to them. The roof angle has less impact on the solar panel performance than the direction your solar energy system faces.
During the spring, the best angle your solar panels can be placed at is 45°, and during the summer, when the sun is high in the sky, it’s best to have a low tilt at 20°. Positioning your solar panels to be south facing with benefit the panels’ performance as they will see the most sunlight during the day due to the sun rising in the east and setting in the west.
There are many reasons why the solar panels need to be at a specific angle;
- If the panels are too low, they won’t produce much energy in the winter due to the sun being lower in the sky. On the other hand, if the panels are installed too high, then they won’t produce much solar energy in the summer.
- Installing the panels too low will create cleaning problems as they will become dirty a lot quicker and become waterlogged.
- The slant arrangement helps protect the panels from any dust and stone impurities if they fall on the panel. Whereas, if the solar panels were flat, then any falling object can damage the panels to a greater extent.
- If the solar panels are placed too high, then the rows will shadow each other resulting in less energy being produced.
- Placing the panels too high means the solar panels and the mount will have to withstand higher forces in windy conditions. If you live in an area with strong wind forces, there is a possibility the solar panels could get damaged.