Solar Power DIY Blog

What is the best mounting angle of inclination of the solar panels? Generally it is based on the latitude of the location. Some say that you should tilt the panels at roughly that latitude angle. This is for the best winter sun power collection. I have read one experimenter say you should add 23.5 degrees to the latitude for the best angle.

My panels at this stage are not at the ideal angle and I plan to change this at later stage when time priorities allow (The unfinished house is still staring at me). For many mounting on the roof of a building is close enough. I have mounted mine on a garage roof which has a pitch of only 10 degrees. I have increased the pitch of the solar panels a little by using different size steel mounts from the top to the bottom. So my panels are probably at about 15 degrees.  I have no regrets as to where I have put them. Because to me it was better to get them up, even if the mount wasn’t ideal. That way I could start to know the system and start generating my own power.  One could also argue that the ideal winter angle is not the ideal summer angle anyhow.