Solar Panel Angle Calculator
Enter your latitude to get the best fixed tilt angle for your solar panels, plus the summer and winter angles if you can adjust them seasonally.
Use a positive number in the Northern Hemisphere, negative in the Southern. Not sure? Search "my latitude".
Solar panels produce the most power when they face the sun straight on. Since the sun's height changes with the seasons, the best fixed angle is a compromise — and if you can tilt your panels a couple of times a year, you can do even better.
How to find the best solar panel angle
A simple, reliable rule is to set the fixed tilt equal to your latitude. To optimise by season, lower the angle in summer (when the sun is high) and raise it in winter (when the sun is low), by about 15°.
Summer tilt ≈ Latitude − 15°
Winter tilt ≈ Latitude + 15°
| Setting | Angle from horizontal |
|---|---|
| Fixed, all year | Equal to your latitude |
| Summer (high sun) | Latitude minus ~15° |
| Winter (low sun) | Latitude plus ~15° |
Worked example
At 40° latitude (roughly the middle of the USA):
| Year-round tilt | 40° |
| Summer = 40 − 15 | 25° |
| Winter = 40 + 15 | 55° |
In the Northern Hemisphere, point the panels toward true south; in the Southern Hemisphere, toward true north.