Solar Power DIY Blog

The optimal tilt angle of the solar panels vary from season to season.  But it depends when you need the more power.  You may have some loads that are only used a lot in the summer.  Unless the summer requirements are so much bigger than the winter requirements for power, you would normally fix the tilt angle for the best winter capture.  Even at that angle, summer would normally provide a little more power.  But for optimal summer power, the angle should be less.

Some of folks would consider the issue of using a solar tracker.  These devices are a specialised solar panel mount that automatically changes the tilt angle and/or the director of facing to keep the panels in optimal position.  These devices are of greatest benefit in the summer.  Because they are motorised they use a small amount of power themselves. I have read on the one or two sites on the net who say for the cost of a solar tracker you may be better off investing in an extra solar panel or two.  I am also concerned that mechanical items can be a point of failure.  However I am interested to maybe one day make my own and give it a try. If you have a tinkering bent you might want to have a go at making one.