Roof Slope For Solar Panels

If you are trying to install solar panels on a steep roof it may not be possible to place panels at the optimal tilt with traditional racking systems.

Roof slope for solar panels.

At 30 the energy drops to 1 260kwh m2 year a reduction of just 0 4. Most australian homes have a roof pitch of 20 to 30 which is considered optimum for maximizing solar power generation. For example the latitude of los angeles california is 34 degrees so the tilt of your solar panels would be 34 degrees. Solar contractors recommend using the latitude of your home s location as the degree of tilt.

Where panels cover more than 33 of the roof a 36 in wide path is required on both sides of the ridge. There are several factors in your control when it comes to finding the ideal pitch for your solar panels. For roofs where pv panels cover up to 33 of the total area in plan view essentially as seen from above the panels must be at least 18 in. The angle of your roof actually has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your solar energy system faces.

However the panels can be installed anywhere between 10 to 35 deg with negligible efficiency loss. The orientation of the panels and the angle they are tilted will have a greater effect on annual energy production. Optimal electricity production occurs when solar panels face south at a tilt equal to 30. The energy reduces as we move away from this optimum angle.

Away from a horizontal ridge on both sides to create the 36 in wide path.