Best Angle for Solar Panels (& Direction): Every State & Zip (Azimuth Angle Calc)

Georgette Kilgore headshot, wearing 8 Billion Trees shirt with forest in the background.Written by Georgette Kilgore

Solar Panels | April 1, 2024

Woman kneeling next to a solar panel is wondering what is the best angle for solar panels and where is solar noon in relation to the sun path, and is there a place with the solar panel angle by zip code that includes azimuth angle and an azimuth calculator to find solar zenith angle.

Did you know that using the best angle for solar panels direction can increase the amount of electricity you’re able to generate?

It’s true.

Knowing the best angle for solar panels in every state and zip code ( also known as the Azimuth angle calculation) is the most accurate method to get the maximum amount of sunlight bouncing onto your brand new sparkling solar panels.

And it works, even if your roof is looking the wrong way or doesn’t have the perfect angle.

This complete guide examines the conditions that can hinder a solar panel’s efficiency and explains and how to make a solar panel maximize the amount of daylight hours you get, even if you live in areas where sunlight is limited, or the placement of the panels is not ideal.

What Direction Should Solar Panels Face? (Best Direction Solar Panels)

The best direction has to be for the face of the solar panels to be staring directly toward the sun. Constantly. All day long.

Every single day of the year.

Under that perfect scenario, the full potential of the solar panels would be realized as they absorb all that the sun has to offer to harness all that energy, convert it into usable electricity, and power every appliance in your home.

Cartoon graphics showing the sun's sunlight hitting solar panels that are standing upright.

(Image: mohamed_hassan10)

The rule of thumb worldwide is that if residing in the Southern hemisphere of the planet, solar panels should face true north. If located in the Northern hemisphere, solar panels should be facing the true south.

Now, even though that sounds easy, maybe self-explanatory, true north and true south refer to geographical locations, not magnetic directions. So which direction is best and how to calculate it from where you live?

Recent studies have indicated that the best direction for solar panels to face in the United States is between the south and west poles.

This is because as the sun rises and sets, it actually doesn’t cross what is known as the Tropic of Cancer, which means it doesn’t break the invisible line that separates the north and the southern hemisphere, preferring to stay in the south.

So now that facing south has been declared as the best direction for solar panel orientation,1 what about the best angle for solar panels or if your roof is facing the wrong way?

Solar Panel Placement (Best Angle for Solar Panels and the Sun Path)

Experienced solar technicians have encountered every variety of rooftops and have had to install solar panels on many roofs that are facing every other direction apart from the south.

Rather than just throwing their hands up in defeat, they have adapted to a less-than-ideal situation by using solar mounting brackets to defy the natural direction of the rooftop.

A neighborhood near a body of water with a house that has solar panels installed on roof.

(Image: Schipkeb11)

These brackets allow them to raise or change the direction of the solar panels so that they are facing south as much as possible. There are other useful variations that these brackets offer.

Because the pitch of the angled solar panels is just as important as the direction they are facing, these brackets can be mounted to alter the inclination of the roof to get the best angle for solar panels.

Solar Panel Angle by Zip Code (Best Angle for Solar Panels Direction)

The best angle for solar panels is a placement between 30 – 45 degrees. If every house in the United States could achieve and maintain that tilt, the industry would be greatly simplified.

Unfortunately for the solar industry, the earth tilts, rotates, and has seasons. But even though harnessing 100% of the sun’s rays 100% of the time is an impossibility, some states get a higher percentage than others.

That difference can determine the types of solar panels suitable for your location, and the amount of energy absorbed, so it’s worth being aware of which angle of the state your house sits in.2

 

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Alabama 36830
35215
35242
36301
35758
36695
36116
36117
35405
36330		 28.0°
28.6°
28.4°
27.2°
29.1°
27.0°
27.8°
27.9°
28.3°
27.3°
Alaska 99502
99504
99507
99508
99515
99516
99577
99801
99654
99709		 39.4°
39.4°
39.4°
39.4°
39.4°
39.3°
39.4°
38.4°
39.5°
40.7°
Arizona 85326
85122
85225
85301
85308
85204
85008
85032
85033
85035
85041
85142
85281
85364		 28.4°
28.2°
28.4°
28.5°
28.6°
28.4°
28.5°
28.5°
28.5°
28.5°
28.4°
28.3°
28.4°
28.1°
Arkansas 72076
71854
72756
72762
71913
72401
72034
72764
72450
72712		 29.2°
28.5°
29.9°
29.8°
29.0°
29.7°
29.2°
29.8°
28.7°
29.9°

 

On the right is a solar panel on a stand with the sun over it and on the left are hills with trees.

(Image: Elf-Moondance15)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
California 91710
92324
91709
94501
91910
91911
92801
92804
92805
91702
93306
93307
93312
91706
95076
92780
95206
92404
92407
92105
92114
93257
91342
91977
92683
93274
94110
94112
94122
95608
94806
95111
95112
95123
95127
95823
95355
90640
90631
95828
92570
91730
90731
90660
94565
91343
92703
92376
92704
92707
95051
93905
93906
92503
95035
92504
94558
91761
91762
91950
92507
92647
90255
95630
92335
92336
95624
95758
94080
90250
94541
94544
95020
92509
91766
93065
95687
92880
92882
92627
94513
92592
91335
90001
94533
90003
90004
92345
92346
94536
94538
93722
93727
90706
93230
90006
90022
90026
92020
92021
91732
90037
92677
92630
94509
93291
91770
95747
93033
91331
95014
94015
90201
93550
91402
92553
92562
91744
92563
90262
90042
90044
90066
93535
92201
93536
90650
90280
94587
92115
92126
92154
92057
90011
90019
90805		 28.7°
28.8°
28.7°
30.5°
28.0°
28.0°
28.7°
28.6°
28.6°
28.9°
29.4°
29.3°
29.4°
28.8°
30.1°
28.6°
30.6°
28.8°
28.8°
28.1°
28.1°
29.7°
28.9°
28.1°
28.6°
29.8°
30.5°
30.5°
30.5°
30.9°
30.6°
30.3°
30.3°
30.3°
30.4°
30.8°
30.5°
28.7°
28.7°
30.9°
28.6°
28.8°
28.6°
28.7°
30.6°
28.8°
28.6°
28.8°
28.6°
28.6°
30.3°
30.0°
30.1°
28.7°
30.4°
28.7°
30.8°
28.7°
28.8°
28.1°
28.7°
28.6°
28.7°
30.9°
28.8°
28.8°
30.8°
30.8°
30.5°
28.7°
30.5°
30.5°
30.2°
28.7°
28.7°
28.9°
30.8°
28.7°
28.7°
28.6°
30.6°
28.4°
28.8°
28.7°
30.8°
28.7°
28.8°
28.9°
28.8°
30.4°
30.4°
30.1°
30.1°
28.7°
29.8°
28.8°
28.7°
28.8°
30.1°
28.1°
28.8°
28.7°
28.5°
28.6°
30.6°
29.9°
28.8°
31.0°
28.8°
28.9°
30.3°
30.5°
28.7°
28.9°
28.8°
28.7°
28.5°
28.7°
28.5°
28.7°
28.8°
28.7°
28.7°
29.1°
28.6°
29.1°
28.7°
28.7°
30.5°
28.1°
28.2°
28.0°
28.4°
28.7°
28.8°
28.7°
Colorado3 80634
80011
80219
80525
80229
80504
80013
80020
80015
80134		 31.7°
31.4°
31.4°
31.8°
31.5°
31.6°
31.4°
31.5°
31.4°
31.3°

 

Solar panels on stand situated on a wooden base.

(Image: Afrndz16)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Connecticut 06516
06492
06810
06457
06606
06010
06902
06511
06484
06082		 32.1°
32.2°
32.1°
32.2°
32.0°
32.2°
32.0°
32.1°
32.1°
32.4°
Delaware 19805
19901
19720
19904
19709
19808
19702
19711
19713
19701		 31.4°
31.2°
31.4°
31.2°
31.3°
31.4°
31.4°
31.4°
31.4°
31.4°
Florida 34787
32825
32828
33157
33186
32244
33411
33064
34953
33012
33015
34711
32765
33463
33414
32210
32218
33025
33027
33311
33313
33511
33647
32808
32822
33125
33023
33024
33142
33458		 25.7°
25.8°
25.8°
24.0°
24.1°
26.7°
24.7°
24.5°
25.0°
24.2°
24.2°
25.8°
25.9°
24.7°
24.7°
26.8°
26.9°
24.3°
24.3°
24.4°
24.4°
25.4°
25.6°
25.8°
25.8°
24.2°
24.3°
24.3°
24.2°
24.9°

 

Solar panel with some parts covered in a thin layer of snow.

(Image: Planet_fox17)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Georgia 30096
30101
30047
30004
30127
30040
30062
30188
31419
30041
30135
30022
30043
30281
30044
30058
30052
30263
30024
30331
30349
30906		 28.7°
28.8°
28.7°
28.8°
28.7°
28.8°
28.7°
28.8°
27.7°
28.8°
28.6°
28.7°
28.7°
28.5°
28.7°
28.6°
28.4°
28.5°
28.8°
28.6°
28.5°
28.4°
Hawaii 96792
96789
96797
96706
96734
96744
96720
96816
96817
96818		 21.3°
21.3°
21.3°
21.2°
21.3°
21.3°
20.1°
21.2°
21.2°
21.2°
Idaho 83704
83201
83854
83301
83642
83646
83686
83440
83709
83401		 33.1°
32.8°
34.6°
32.5°
33.0°
33.1°
33.0°
33.1°
33.0°
33.0°

 

Solar panels mounted on rooftop with a mountain in the background.

(Image: Chrischesneau18)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Illinois 60608
60804
60609
60614
60505
60617
60618
60619
60620
60623
60625
60628
60629
60632
60634
60638
60639
60640
60641
60647
60651
60657
60085
60402
60073
60016		 32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.4°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.4°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.4°
32.3°
32.3°
32.4°
32.4°
32.3°
32.3°
32.4°
32.5°
32.3°
32.5°
32.4°
Indiana 47906
46360
47374
46307
47150
46226
46227
47130
46350
46143		 31.7°
32.3°
31.5°
32.1°
30.8°
31.5°
31.4°
30.8°
32.2°
31.4°
Iowa 50613
50315
50317
52302
52402
51501
51503
52001
52404
52722		 32.6°
32.2°
32.2°
32.4°
32.4°
32.1°
32.1°
32.6°
32.4°
32.2°

 

Roof covered with photovoltaic system (solar panels) with some tall trees in the background.

(Image: Ecoenergiafutura19)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Kansas 67212
66212
66061
66062
66502
66614
67217
67401
67846
66048		 30.5°
31.1°
31.0°
31.0°
31.1°
31.1°
30.5°
31.0°
30.7°
31.2°
Kentucky4 42101
40475
41042
40601
40356
40324
42701
40214
40216
42301		 30.2°
30.5°
31.1°
30.8°
30.6°
30.8°
30.5°
30.7°
30.7°
30.5°
Lousiana 70301
70072
70560
70065
70816
70056
70003
70506
70726
70058		 26.5°
26.5°
26.6°
26.2°
26.9°
26.6°
26.6°
26.7°
26.8°
26.6°
Maine 04240
04901
04210
04106
04103
04330
04005
04401
04074
04011		 33.2°
33.4°
33.2°
33.1°
33.1°
33.3°
33.0°
33.5°
33.0°
33.2°
Maryland 20878
20904
21234
21122
21740
21222
21117
20906
21215
20874		 31.1°
31.1°
31.3°
31.1°
31.4°
31.2°
31.3°
31.1°
31.2°
31.1°

 

Solar panels installed on the roof of a building in the middle of a city, with tall buildings in the background.

(Image: Blazejosh20)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Massachusetts 02301
01960
02148
01201
02360
02169
02151
02780
01844
02155		 32.4°
32.6°
32.6°
32.6°
32.3°
32.5°
32.6°
32.3°
32.7°
32.6°
Michigan 48187
48180
48439
48228
48185
48197
48103
48044
48126
48823		 32.5°
32.5°
32.8°
32.5°
32.5°
32.5°
32.5°
32.7°
32.5°
32.7°
Minnesota 55379
55303
55125
56001
55337
55106
55124
55901
55304
55044		 33.5°
33.7°
33.6°
33.2°
33.5°
33.6°
33.5°
33.2°
33.7°
33.5°
Mississippi 38671
39564
39401
39402
39047
38655
39110
39759
39503
38654		 29.2°
26.8°
27.3°
27.3°
27.9°
28.9°
28.0°
28.5°
26.9°
29.2°
Missouri 63021
63136
63376
63366
63031
65202
65807
63123
63129
65203		 30.9°
31.0°
31.0°
31.0°
31.0°
31.1°
30.3°
30.9°
30.8°
31.1°

 

Two huge solar panel systems with the cloudy sky in the background.

(Image: Dimitrisvetsikas196921)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Montana 59701
59601
59101
59102
59715
59718
59901
59405
59105
59801		 34.0°
34.2°
33.8°
33.9°
33.9°
33.8°
34.8°
34.5°
33.9°
34.3°
Nebraska 68701
68123
68104
68516
68521
68025
69101
68801
68107
68134		 32.4°
32.0°
32.1°
31.8°
31.9°
32.1°
32.1°
31.9°
32.1°
32.1°
Nevada 89117
89121
89123
89129
89052
89108
89030
89031
89110
89115		 29.8°
29.8°
29.7°
29.8°
29.7°
29.8°
29.8°
29.8°
29.8°
29.9°
New Hampshire 03079
03102
03060
03062
03301
03820
03038
03054
03103
03104		 32.7°
32.8°
32.7°
32.7°
32.9°
32.9°
32.8°
32.7°
32.8°
32.8°
New Jersey 07305
07002
07055
07087
08701
08527
08753
07093
07728
07047		 31.8°
31.8°
31.9°
31.9°
31.6°
31.6°
31.5°
31.9°
31.6°
31.9°

 

Monocrystalline solar panels installed on the roof of a house on top of a gravelly surface.

(Image: MinkS22)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
New Mexico 87105
87111
87112
88101
87124
87507
87114
87120
87121
87123		 29.2°
29.3°
29.3°
29.0°
29.3°
29.5°
29.3°
29.3°
29.3°
29.2°
New York5 10977
11706
10456
10457
10458
11377
11368
11717
11375
10312
10314
10460
10462
10463
10466
11691
10467
11373
10701
11385
10468
10469
10472
11355
11746
10473
11201
11203
11204
11206
11207
14850
11372
11208
11209
11210
10027
10029
11211
11212
11213
11214
11215
11218
11219
10031
10032
10128
11220
11221
11432
11434
11435
11223
11226
11229
11230
11233
10002
10023
10025
11234
11235
11236		 32.0°
31.8°
31.9°
31.9°
31.9°
31.8°
31.9°
31.9°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.9°
31.9°
31.9°
31.9°
31.8°
31.9°
31.8°
31.9°
31.8°
31.9°
31.9°
31.9°
31.9°
31.9°
31.9°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.6°
31.9°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.9°
31.9°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.9°
31.9°
31.9°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°
31.9°
31.9°
31.8°
31.8°
31.8°

 

Huge solar panel system on a stand installed on the ground in an almost 90 degree angle with a tall power tower on its far right.

(Image: Dimitrisvetsikas196923)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
North Carolina 28173
27587
27406
28078
27610
28027
27858
28215
28269
28277
28314		 29.2°
29.7°
29.7°
29.4°
29.6°
29.4°
29.5°
29.3°
29.4°
29.3°
29.3°
North Dakota 58501
58554
58503
58102
58103
58104
58701
58078
58504
58201		 34.3°
34.3°
34.3°
34.3°
34.3°
34.3°
34.8°
34.3°
34.3°
34.7°
Ohio 43081
43026
43123
44035
43130
43055
44256
43230
44060
45011		 31.6°
31.5°
31.5°
32.1°
31.4°
31.6°
32.0°
31.5°
32.3°
31.3°
Oklahoma 73099
74133
73071
73072
73013
73160
73034
74012
73505
74055		 29.5°
29.7°
29.3°
29.3°
29.5°
29.4°
29.6°
29.7°
29.0°
29.8°
Oregon 97045
97301
97006
97701
97124
97206
97223
97229
97007
97402		 33.7°
33.6°
33.8°
33.2°
33.8°
33.8°
33.8°
33.8°
33.8°
33.2°

 

Monocrystalline solar panel system situated in an open field, with wooden fence and cloudy sky in the background.

(Image: Atimedia24)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Pennsylvania 19020
19111
19120
19124
17603
19446
19134
19143
19149
15601		 31.6°
31.6°
31.5°
31.5°
31.5°
31.6°
31.5°
31.5°
31.5°
31.7°
Rhode Island 02895
02886
02860
02904
02908
02909
02816
02920
02864
02893		 32.4°
32.2°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.3°
32.4°
32.3°
South Carolina 29730
29732
29072
29223
29229
29445
29483
29485
29681
29720		 29.2°
29.2°
28.7°
28.8°
28.8°
28.2°
28.3°
28.2°
29.1°
29.1°
South Dakota 57401
57201
57103
57104
57701
57702
57105
57106
57108
57006		 33.8°
33.6°
33.0°
33.0°
33.3°
33.2°
33.0°
33.0°
33.0°
33.3°
Tennessee 38401
37013
37167
37129
37130
37211
37064
37042
37027
37075		 29.5°
29.7°
29.7°
29.7°
29.7°
29.7°
29.7°
30.0°
29.7°
29.9°

 

Monocrytalline solar panel system mounted on a metal roof with overcast in the background.

(Image: Michaelyeoman25)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Texas 78520
78521
77429
77433
75211
78045
78046
75067
75150
77407
78641
77459
76137
77449
77450
77494
76244
78130
78501
76179
75052
77479
77573
75217
78228
78572
78574
76063
75068
78240
78245
78660
78577
77584
78249
78250
78251
78254
76010
75227
77036
77072
77373
77379
78666
77840
77845
75002
77077
78596
75070
77083
77084
77095
77346
75056
78640
75228
75243
79912
75040
75043
75034
75035
79924
79936
79938
76028
78613
78542
78745
78753
77521
78664		 24.3°
24.3°
26.6°
26.6°
28.1°
25.4°
25.1°
28.2°
28.1°
26.4°
26.9°
26.3°
28.1°
26.5°
26.5°
26.5°
28.2°
26.5°
24.4°
28.2°
28.1°
26.4°
26.3°
28.1°
26.3°
24.4°
24.5°
28.0°
28.3°
26.4°
26.3°
26.9°
24.4°
26.4°
26.4°
26.3°
26.3°
26.4°
28.1°
28.1°
26.5°
26.5°
26.7°
26.6°
26.6°
27.0°
26.9°
28.3°
26.5°
24.4°
28.1°
26.5°
26.5°
26.6°
26.6°
28.3°
26.6°
28.1°
28.2°
27.6°
28.2°
28.1°
28.3°
28.3°
27.6°
27.6°
27.6°
28.0°
26.9°
24.5°
26.7°
26.8°
26.5°
26.9°
Utah6 84074
84118
84404
84010
84119
84043
84120
84041
84015
84095		 31.8°
31.8°
32.1°
31.9°
31.8°
31.7°
31.8°
32.0°
32.0°
31.8°

 

Solar panel systems situated in the middle of an open filed with two huge satellites on a plateau in the background.

(Image: 1201926)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
Vermont 05201
05403
05401
05478
05641
05446
05701
05468
05301
05452		 32.7°
33.4°
33.4°
33.5°
33.3°
33.4°
33.0°
33.5°
32.7°
33.4°
Virginia 20147
22191
22192
22030
23452
23454
23322
22407
23462
23464
22193
22003		 31.1°
30.9°
30.9°
31.0°
30.1°
30.1°
30.0°
30.8°
30.1°
30.1°
30.9°
31.0°
Washington 98682
99301
98023
99208
98632
99336
98012
98034
98208
98052
20001
20016
20009
20002
20010
20019
20020
20011
20032
20008		 33.9°
34.1°
34.5°
34.7°
34.0°
34.1°
34.7°
34.6°
34.7°
34.6°
31.1°
31.1°
31.1°
31.0°
31.1°
31.0°
31.0°
31.1°
31.0°
31.1°

 

Closeup of monocrystalline solar panel system put together using t bolts.

(Image: StockSnap27)

State Zip Codes Best Angle for Panels
West Virginia 26003
26062
25177
26101
25701
25801
26505
26508
26301
26554		 31.6°
31.7°
30.8°
31.2°
30.8°
30.5°
31.4°
31.3°
31.2°
31.3°
Wisconsin 53511
54601
53204
53209
53215
53081
53704
53711
54956
54703		 32.6°
33.1°
32.8°
32.8°
32.8°
33.1°
32.9°
32.8°
33.3°
33.5°
Wyoming 82601
82604
82801
82001
82070
82716
82718
82901
82007
82009		 32.8°
32.7°
32.1°
32.0°
32.1°
33.4°
33.3°
32.1°
32.0°
32.1°

As the seasons change, so does the angle of the sun and the solar panel tilt can vary considerably in some states.

Rows of houses with skillion type roofs and solar panels installed on it.

(Image: Epicantus12)

For instance, the worst to the best angle for solar panels in Colorado can range from a low angle of 16° to a high of 46° throughout the year.

Such a wide degree of variation can impact the efficiency of your solar panels.

To offset that, investing in a solar tracker is recommended to follow the journey of the sun across the sky to get the best angle for solar panels in winter and capture the majority of the sunlight available.

And to get a very accurate reading for your exact location, go online and consult a solar power calculator by zip code.

Azimuth Angle: Azimuth Calculator (Sun Angle Calculator or Solar Angle Calculator)

The Azimuth angle is the angle between a celestial body, the sun, for example, and due North, as measured counterclockwise around its horizon.

In this instance, the sun’s orientation in the sky would be stated as being at 0°, with the angles for east, south, and west having angles based on the sun’s angle of 0°, therefore being 90°, 180°, and 270° respectively.

Solar panels set up on an angle and raised from the ground using metal stand.

(Image: Atimedia13)

Once you are able to recognize when the sun is at the Azimuth angle of 0°, it will be possible to know the direction of the other poles. When installing solar panels, knowing this solar angle calculator trick can save a lot of time when calculating the best angle for solar panels.

In an effort to find that perfect angle, it is important to understand how to find true north and true south, both of which are different from north and south magnetic readings. Start by using an online calculator such as the NOAA government’s solar calculator to glean what your declination might be by inputting your longitude and latitude, bearing in mind that for every 15° the sun will have moved 1 hour.7

But rather than move your solar panel setup every hour follow the instructions below.

  • If your Azimuth reading is at 0° then your solar panels are perfectly aligned.
  • Tilt your panels at 15° less than the 0° position in the summer.
  • In winter, increase the tilt from 0° to 15°.
  • When fall arrives, the panels can again be set at 0°.

This adjustment may not seem significant but it will enable your panels to receive an extra boost of sunlight in those winter and summer months, a useful energy boost for extra heat in the winter, or for turning on the ac in the summer to keep cool, and also to make them more efficient.8

Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days? Best Angle for Solar Panels

To those asking, do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Although solar panels do not work at the peak of their capacity on cloudy days, they do still absorb the sun’s rays.

A long solar panel system set up in an angle with the cloudy sky in the background.

(Image: Jaidee14)

By calculating the longitude and latitude of your location you can adjust the angle of your solar panels so they can harness the maximum watts of energy available for better energy outputs.9

It cannot be overstated that getting a consistent energy output starts with maintaining the best angle for solar panels & direction: every state & zip (Azimuth angle calc).

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Angle for Solar Panels

What Direction Should Solar Panels Face in the Southern Hemisphere?

In the southern hemisphere, solar panels should be facing true north.

What Direction Should Solar Panels Face in Texas?

South is the ideal direction that solar panels should be facing in Texas.

What Is the Optimal Angle for Solar Panels? What Is the Best Roof Angle for Solar Panels?

Between 30 – 45 degrees are the best angle for solar panels. But also to get your solar panel operating at peak capacity it is imperative to know how to clean solar panels to clear away any obstructions between the cells and the precious sunlight.

How Big of Solar System Do I Need?

Factors such as your monthly electricity usage, location, the size of your home, the size of standard solar panel you select, and the size and pitch of your roof would determine if you would need 10 solar panels, or 20. Consulting a solar panel size chart would help enormously.

What Is Solar Noon, Sun Altitude, and Solar Zenith Angle?

No matter in which country the sun is noticed at its zenith, it is classed as being in the noon position when it is due south geographically of that location. This is not to be mistaken with the sun’s altitude or the angle between the sun and the vertical line of the rays contacting the earth’s surface.

Read More About Best Angle for Solar Panels

References

1Solar Energy Technologies Office. (2023). Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar>

2U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2019, June 12). Southwestern states have better solar resources and higher solar PV capacity factors. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=39832>

3U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2022, November 10). Colorado Electricity Profile 2021. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/colorado/>

4U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2022, November 10). State Electricity Profiles. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/kentucky/>

5U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2022, November 10). New York Electricity Profile 2021. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/newyork/>

6U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2022, November 10). Utah Electricity Profile 2021. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/utah/>

7Global Monitoring Laboratory. (2023). NOAA Solar Calculator. Global Monitoring Laboratory. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://gml.noaa.gov/grad/solcalc/>

8Binghamton University. (2017, April 18). Adjusting solar panel angles a few times a year makes them more efficient. Binghamton University – State University of New York. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/528/adjusting-solar-panel-angles-a-few-times-a-year-makes-them-more-efficient>

9NREL. (2023). PVWatts® Calculator. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from <https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php>

10Photo by Mohamed_hassan. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/vectors/solar-panel-sun-energy-electricity-6799111/>

11Photo by Schipkeb. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/drone-house-drone-solar-panel-house-2392409/>

12Photo by Epicantus. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/netherlands-almere-solar-panels-1448195/>

13Photo by Atimedia. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/solar-energy-solar-panel-electricity-2392184/>

14Photo by Jaidee. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/solar-solar-panels-solar-farm-2796471/>

15Photo by Elf-Moondance. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/illustrations/solar-energy-solar-panel-solar-cells-6013572/>

16Photo by Afrndz. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/panel-solar-energy-home-renewable-558317/>

17Photo by Planet_fox. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/solar-covered-snow-snowy-5903373/>

18Photo by Chrischesneau. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/solar-energy-photovoltaic-power-872804/>

19Photo by Ecoenergiafutura. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/photovoltaic-system-energy-saving-2698175/>

20Photo by Blazejosh. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/solar-panel-city-energy-4478105/>

21Photo by Dimitrisvetsikas1969. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/photo-voltaic-panel-solar-energy-1995974/>

22Photo by MinkS. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/solar-panels-energy-durable-692834/>

23Photo by Dimitrisvetsikas1969. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/photo-voltaic-panel-solar-energy-1995980/>

24Photo by Atimedia. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/solar-power-solar-solar-panel-4843112/>

25Photo by Michaelyeoman. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/commercial-solar-pv-energy-panel-3397217/>

26Photo by 12019. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/ascension-island-solar-panels-sky-89805/>

27Photo by StockSnap. Pixabay. Retrieved from, <https://pixabay.com/photos/panel-solar-power-energy-2562240/>