Solar panel angle calculator
Find the best tilt for fixed solar panels in your city, for the whole year and for each season.
Best fixed angle all year27°From flat. Set it once and leave it.
- Face the panels (Not magnetic. Use a map, not a compass alone.)
- True south
- Winter (Nov to Feb)
- 47°
- Spring and autumn
- 29°
- Summer (May to Aug)
- 8°
- Latitude used
- 31.55°
- Adjusting the angle four times a year gains only a few percent over the best fixed angle. Keeping panels clean and unshaded matters more.
- On a flat roof, a little less tilt than shown lets you fit more rows without them shading each other.
About this calculator
Solar panels make the most power when they face the sun squarely. Because the sun sits lower in winter and higher in summer, the best angle depends on where you live and the time of year.
Pick your city, or enter your latitude, to get one angle to use all year plus the angles for each season if your frame can be adjusted.
How it works
- Uses Charles Landau's fits for fixed panels: all year is latitude × 0.76 + 3.1 between 25° and 50°, and latitude × 0.87 nearer the equator.
- Winter is latitude × 0.875 + 19.2, summer is latitude × 0.93 − 21, and spring and autumn are latitude − 2.5.
- Panels face the equator: south in the northern hemisphere, north in the southern.
- Noon sun height is 90° minus the gap between your latitude and the sun's declination that day.
Common questions
- What is the best solar panel angle in Lahore?
- About 27° facing south for a fixed system. In winter about 47°, and in summer about 8°.
- What is the best solar panel angle in Karachi?
- About 22° facing south for a fixed system, a little flatter than in Lahore because Karachi is further south.
- Is it worth changing the angle every season?
- It usually adds only a few percent a year. It can help if you use most of your power in one season, such as winter heating.
A guide only. Your installer should also check shade, roof strength and wind load.