Owing to technological developments, Indians have realized the significance of installing solar panels. Ashish Khanna, President of Tata Power, has said that by 2050, renewable energy will provide 86% of electricity, with 66% coming through solar energy alone. Many families are now ready to invest in solar panels, but one critical factor is often overlooked during installation: the angle and direction of the solar panel.
Why Angle Matters
Solar panels operate most efficiently if sunlight falls on them perpendicularly. Any deviation from the optimum angle may result in a considerable reduction in performance over the entire life cycle of a solar panel, which is 25 years, thereby causing energy and money losses.
Golden Rule for Tilt Angles of Solar Panels
Tilt angle is equal to the latitude of the location. It ensures that solar panels align according to the annual movement pattern of the sun in the sky.
Suggested tilt angles for states in India:
States such as Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab fall between 30 to 36 degrees latitude angle. Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and Rajasthan fall between 24 to 30 degrees latitude angle. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Odisha fall between 18 to 24 degrees latitude angle. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana fall between 12 to 18 degrees latitude angle.
During seasons, add 15 degrees to the tilt angle during winters, while subtracting 15 degrees during summers. In the case of fixed rooftop placements, the latitude angle is sufficient for all purposes.
Solar Panel Facing Direction
South direction is recommended since panels will receive maximum sunlight here. Other directions include east and west. However, avoid the north direction as the panels receive minimal sunlight, causing inefficient operations.
Other Key Factors
Shadow areas matter greatly. Ensure the installation spot has no shadow from trees or nearby buildings during peak sun hours. The rooftop surface should be smooth and stable enough to handle the panel weight. For homes with limited roof space, flatter tilt angles of 10 to 15 degrees save space while maintaining decent output.
Fixed vs Adjustable Mounts
Fixed tilt mounts suit most residential rooftops with lower installation costs. Adjustable mounts allow seasonal changes and can increase yearly output by 5 to 15%, making them better suited for larger setups.
Waaree Energies: Installation Done Right
Waaree Energies is not only among the best for solar products, including modules, inverters, and batteries, but also ensures proper installation with the right angle and direction for your specific location. With decades of expertise, Waaree helps you get maximum output from every panel, every day.
