Solar Panel Angle Calculator | PES Supply
Solar Panel Angle Calculator
Find the optimal tilt angle for your solar panels by latitude and season
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your latitude in degrees, or select your nearest U.S. city to auto-fill it.
- The calculator instantly shows the optimal fixed (year-round) tilt plus seasonal angles.
- Use the fixed angle for a permanently mounted roof or ground array.
- For adjustable ground mounts, change the tilt twice a year: steeper in winter, flatter in summer.
- If you're at a high latitude, panels tilted steeply also shed snow more easily.
Tilt Angle Formulas
Fixed (year-round) ≈ Latitude × 0.87 + 3.1° (optimized annual yield)
Winter ≈ Latitude + 15°
Summer ≈ Latitude − 15° (minimum 0°)
Spring / Fall ≈ Latitude − 3°
| City | Latitude | Fixed Tilt | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL | 25.8° | 25.5° | 40.8° | 10.8° |
| Los Angeles, CA | 34.1° | 32.8° | 49.1° | 19.1° |
| Denver, CO | 39.7° | 37.6° | 54.7° | 24.7° |
| New York, NY | 40.7° | 38.5° | 55.7° | 25.7° |
| Seattle, WA | 47.6° | 44.5° | 62.6° | 32.6° |
Solar Panels & Mounting
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my roof pitch doesn't match the optimal angle?
Roof-mounted systems usually follow the roof pitch. A few degrees off optimal reduces output by less than 5%, so a south-facing roof at 20–40° pitch performs well in most of the U.S.
Should panels face south?
In the Northern Hemisphere, true south (azimuth 180°) maximizes annual production. East/west arrays produce ~15% less but spread generation across the day — useful for self-consumption.
Is a steeper angle better for snow?
Yes. Steeper winter tilts shed snow faster and capture the low winter sun. At high latitudes, a 45–60° winter tilt is common.