Calculating Tilt Angle for Solar Panels.

Before understanding Tilt Angle, we should get familiar with Latitude and Longitude.

Latitude and Longitude are imaginary lines that are drawn on maps for locating different places on earth. Latitude is the distance toward north or south of the equator and longitude is the distance toward east or west of prime meridian. Both equator and prime meridian can be seen in the figure below.

Tilt angle is the latitude of the destination where you want to install the solar plant. In summer when sun is available for longer duration, Tilt Angle is Latitude – 15 degree.

And in winters when sun is available for shorter duration the Tilt Angle is Latitude + 15 degree.

If you live above the equator line then you should point your panels due south. If you live below equator line then your panels should be pointed north.