By 
For a fixed system used all year, tilt your panels at an angle roughly equal to your latitude (often slightly less, latitude × 0.9, for best annual output) and face them toward the equator: true south in the northern hemisphere, true north in the southern hemisphere. For winter-heavy off-grid use, tilt about latitude + 15°; for summer use, latitude − 15°.
Solar panel tilt angle calculator
Estimates use the formulas explained in this guide. Plan a complete system with the all-in-one calculator →
Why tilt matters
Panels produce most when sunlight hits them at 90°. The sun’s height changes with your latitude and the season, so the best fixed angle is a compromise across the year.
Recommended tilt by location
| City | Latitude | Year-round tilt | Winter-optimised | Summer-optimised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 25.8° N | 23 – 26° | 40° | 11° |
| Phoenix | 33.4° N | 30 – 33° | 48° | 18° |
| Los Angeles | 34.1° N | 31 – 34° | 49° | 19° |
| Denver | 39.7° N | 36 – 40° | 55° | 25° |
| New York | 40.7° N | 37 – 41° | 56° | 26° |
| Seattle | 47.6° N | 43 – 48° | 63° | 33° |
| London | 51.5° N | 46 – 52° | 67° | 37° |
| Toronto | 43.7° N | 40 – 44° | 59° | 29° |
| Munich | 48.1° N | 44 – 48° | 63° | 33° |
| Sydney | 33.9° S | 30 – 34° (facing north) | 49° | 19° |
How forgiving is tilt?
Very. Being 10 to 15° away from the optimum usually costs only a few percent of annual output. That is why most homeowners simply mount panels flush to their roof pitch:
| Roof pitch | Angle | Typical annual loss vs optimal (mid-latitudes, south-facing) |
|---|---|---|
| 4/12 | 18° | about 3 – 6% |
| 6/12 | 27° | about 1 – 3% |
| 8/12 | 34° | under 2% |
| Flat (0°) | 0° | about 10 – 15%, worse in winter |
Flat panels also collect dust and stay wet, and lose much more in winter, which matters for off-grid and RV systems.
Direction (azimuth)
- Due south (northern hemisphere) is best for total output.
- East or west facing roofs produce about 10 to 20% less annually than south, but spread production across morning or afternoon, which can suit time-of-use rates.
- Use true south, not magnetic south. Magnetic declination can be more than 10° in parts of the US.
Seasonal adjustment
If you have an adjustable ground mount, changing the angle two to four times a year can add roughly 5% annual output, and much more in winter:
- Spring and autumn equinox: tilt ≈ latitude
- Winter: latitude + 15°
- Summer: latitude − 15°
Trackers
Single-axis trackers that follow the sun from east to west can add roughly 20 to 30% annual output, and dual-axis trackers a bit more, but they add cost, moving parts and maintenance. For small systems, adding panels is usually cheaper.
Tilt for off-grid winter performance
Off-grid systems often run short in December, so tilt steeply (latitude + 15° or more). Steep panels also shed snow. See winter off-grid solar.
Your tilt affects your effective peak sun hours; plug the right figure into the solar calculator. See also peak sun hours.
Worked example: choosing between roof pitch and a tilt kit
A home in Dallas (32.8° N) has a flat roof. The owner can mount panels at 10° (low, quick, less wind load) or at 30° (closer to optimal):
| Tilt | Approx. annual energy vs optimum | Winter energy vs optimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10° | about 95% | about 85% | Less wind load, closer row spacing, more dust buildup |
| 20° | about 98% | about 93% | Good compromise |
| 30° | 100% | 100% | Best annual yield, needs wider row spacing |
Approximate figures. For a grid-tied home under net metering, 15 to 20° often gives the best balance of output, wind loading and how many panels fit. For an off-grid home that struggles in winter, 30 to 45° is better.
Row spacing on flat roofs and ground mounts
Tilted rows cast shadows on the row behind. A common rule is to avoid shading between about 9 am and 3 pm on the shortest day.
Spacing between rows ≈ Panel height above roof × Shadow ratio
At around 30° N latitude, a shadow ratio of about 1.5 to 2 is typical in winter; at 40° N it is closer to 2.5 to 3. For a panel tilted 30° with its top edge 1 m higher than its bottom edge, leave roughly 1.5 to 2 m from the back of one row to the front of the next at 30° N.
Facing the right way
- In the northern hemisphere, face true south; in the southern hemisphere, true north.
- Slightly west (10 to 20°) can help if your electricity is more valuable in the late afternoon or evening.
- Use a compass app with true north enabled, or check on a satellite map.
Common mistakes
- Setting tilt by eye. Use an angle-finder app on a rail.
- Using magnetic south where declination is large.
- Ignoring wind load with steep tilts on flat roofs. Use engineered racking and proper ballast or anchoring.
- Flat panels in dusty places. At very low tilts, dust and water pool and soiling losses rise.
Seasonal adjustment calendar (northern hemisphere)
| Period | Suggested tilt |
|---|---|
| Mid-October to late February | Latitude + 15° |
| Late February to mid-April | Latitude |
| Mid-April to late August | Latitude − 15° |
| Late August to mid-October | Latitude |
Southern hemisphere: shift the dates by six months. Adjusting even twice a year (winter and summer settings) captures most of the benefit.
FAQ
What is the best angle for solar panels?
About equal to your latitude for year-round use, facing the equator.
Is 30 degrees a good tilt?
For latitudes between about 25° and 40°, 30° is close to optimal year-round.
Should RV solar panels be tilted?
Tilting RV panels toward the sun when parked for days can add 20 to 40% in winter, but most people mount flat and add portable panels for flexibility.
What tilt is best for solar panels in Texas or Arizona?
Roughly 30 to 33° for year-round output in Dallas (32.8° N) and Phoenix (33.4° N), close to latitude. Use 15 to 20° on flat roofs where wind and space are concerns.
Do adjustable mounts pay off?
On small off-grid systems, manually adjusting twice a year can noticeably boost winter output. On large grid-tied systems, the labour rarely pays.
Does tilt matter for grid-tied systems?
It affects annual output by a few percent; roof pitch is usually fine. Orientation and shade matter more.
Related guides
- Solar Panel Shading and Bypass Diodes Explained
- How Much Power Does a Solar Panel Produce Per Day?
- Solar Panel Efficiency Explained (and When It Matters)
- What Can a 100W Solar Panel Run? (Real Daily Numbers)
Sources and further reading
- European Commission JRC: PVGIS: free solar output and optimum-tilt tool for Europe and most of the world.
- NREL PVWatts Calculator: solar output estimate for any address.
- Global Solar Atlas (World Bank): sun data and solar potential for any location.