Roof Slope For Solar Panels

The orientation of the panels and the angle they are tilted will have a greater effect on annual energy production.

Roof slope for 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. However the panels can be installed anywhere between 10 to 35 deg with negligible efficiency loss. The energy reduces as we move away from this optimum angle. Solar contractors recommend using the latitude of your home s location as the degree of tilt.

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. So for this roof the optimum angle is 35 a bit over an 8 12 roof slope and at this angle the roof generates 1 265kwh m2 day. The angle of your roof actually has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your solar energy system faces. For example the latitude of los angeles california is 34 degrees so the tilt of your solar panels would be 34 degrees.

There are several factors in your control when it comes to finding the ideal pitch for your solar panels. At 30 the energy drops to 1 260kwh m2 year a reduction of just 0 4. Many roofs are going to have slopes between 30 and 40 degrees which means that solar panels can lie flush against the roof and produce enough electricity for attractive returns. Optimal electricity production occurs when solar panels face south at a tilt equal to 30.

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