Solar Panel Angle Calculator
Find the best tilt and direction for your solar panels based on your latitude and whether you want to optimize year-round or for a single season.
What your result means
Recommended tilt is the angle from horizontal that captures the most energy for your latitude and chosen season. Face direction is the compass orientation panels should point. Seasonal range shows how to tilt flatter for summer or steeper for winter. Once your angle is set, size the array with our PV calculator and price it with the solar panel cost calculator.
How to use this calculator
- Look up your latitude in degrees (search your city plus "latitude").
- Choose year-round, or a season if you want to favor summer or winter output.
- Read the recommended tilt and the direction to face the panels.
- Use the seasonal range if your mounts are adjustable.
- Account for roof pitch — a fixed roof may force a compromise angle.
The formula
A panel tilted at your latitude and aimed at the equator (true south up north, true north down south) captures the most annual sun. Tilting 15 degrees flatter favors the high summer sun; 15 degrees steeper favors the low winter sun.
Worked example
At latitude 37° (around San Francisco or Richmond), the best year-round tilt is about 37° facing true south. To squeeze more out of winter, raise it to about 52°; for summer, lower it to about 22°.
Optimal tilt by latitude (year-round)
| Latitude | Year-round tilt | Example cities |
|---|---|---|
| 25° | ~25° | Miami, Houston |
| 34° | ~34° | Los Angeles, Atlanta |
| 40° | ~40° | Denver, New York |
| 45° | ~45° | Minneapolis, Portland ME |
| Any | Face equator | South (N. hemisphere) |
Tips & gotchas
- True south is not magnetic south — adjust for magnetic declination in your area.
- A few degrees off optimal costs very little; don't obsess over perfection.
- Steeper winter angles also shed snow better in cold climates.
- Most rooftop systems just use the roof pitch; this matters most for ground mounts.
- East- or west-facing roofs still work, with roughly 10-20% less annual output.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best angle for solar panels?
For year-round output, tilt panels at roughly your latitude, facing true south in the northern hemisphere. At 40° latitude, that's about a 40° tilt.
Should I change the angle by season?
If your mounts adjust, yes. Tilt about 15° flatter than your latitude in summer and 15° steeper in winter to track the sun's height.
Which direction should panels face?
True south in the northern hemisphere and true north in the southern hemisphere. Remember true, not magnetic — correct for declination.
Does roof pitch matter?
For rooftop systems you usually live with the roof's pitch, which is often close enough. Optimal tilt matters most for adjustable ground mounts.
How much do east/west roofs lose?
Typically 10 to 20% less annual energy than a true-south array, which is often acceptable, especially with time-of-use rates.
Related calculators
Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.